TUI is recording impressive demand for Greece in 2026, with German pre-bookings moving almost at the same level as Spain. Major Black Friday offers, increased TUI fly flights and the new agreement with the Greek National Tourism Organization propel the country to the top of choices for the new season.
TUI reports consistently high demand with an “excellent start to the season,” supported by Black Friday offers, in German pre-bookings for Greece in 2026.
Greece is emerging as the star of the season, thanks to strong demand for the islands and the high flight frequencies operated by TUI fly.
Indicatively, according to the tour operator’s available data, Greece is currently approaching the levels of Spain in terms of the volume of demand it gathers in the German market, followed by Turkey. At the same time, the tour operator’s new agreement with the GNTO aims to further strengthen Greece as a holiday destination.
More specifically, increased bookings are observed in major island destinations such as Crete and Rhodes, but also in smaller ones such as Corfu and Samos.
Meanwhile, in Halkidiki, the new TUI Kids Club Blue Lagoon has become a major attraction for families, recording strong double-digit growth in bookings.
Four million TUI travelers visit Greece annually, choosing from the tour operator’s 50 branded hotels.
TUI fly operates around 180 flights weekly to destinations such as Crete, Rhodes and Kos.
Crete, Rhodes and Kos in the top five
In terms of destinations, TUI data place Antalya first, while the top five are completed by Mallorca, Crete, Rhodes and Kos.
Egypt is experiencing strong growth of around 30 percent compared to last year, while in Italy TUI is emphasizing drive holidays, offering 70 new hotels, many located in the north of the country.
In long-haul travel, significant increases in bookings are observed for Mauritius and the UAE.
This year, summer holidays for 2026 are entering the spotlight earlier than usual for German travelers. TUI launches its new season on May 29 and recorded more than 10,000 bookings on the very first day. The pre-booking phase is in progress, following a strong Black Friday week during which more consumers than ever chose TUI holidays.
Round trips in the Peloponnese and city breaks in Athens
Emerging trends show that “round trips are no longer a niche product. People seek experiences and contact with the local population,” says TUI’s Product Director, Steffen Boehnke. In this context, Sicily, Andalusia, Cappadocia and the Peloponnese are added as new routes in the range of personalized TUI Tours round trips.
City holidays have increased by 9 percent, as more vacationers use their second or third holiday break for a city trip. TUI is expanding its offerings especially in Paris, Istanbul, Athens, London and Porto.
Strong German demand for long-haul travel and cruises
According to a recent survey by TUI and Appino, an increasing number of Germans plan more long-haul trips in 2026. About 25 percent of respondents want to explore a new continent next year, with Asia among the most popular destinations. Africa is also highly sought after. Consequently, TUI is further expanding its hotel portfolio in Asia and Africa, and in Asia alone more than 25 hotels with its own brands have opened.
Additionally, 20 percent of respondents said they would like to take a cruise in 2026. Accordingly, TUI Cruises will launch its new ship, “Mein Schiff Flow,” in 2026.
Road trips also remain a stable trend, with 18 percent planning trips within Germany and Europe by car next year, with men significantly more likely than women to do so.
The desire for solo travel is also growing, with more than 12 percent of respondents planning a solo trip in 2026. In this framework, TUI offers Solo Weeks at hotels such as TUI Magic Life Candia Maris in Crete.
The UAE particularly popular among families
Long-haul destinations remain popular. The USA, Thailand, the Maldives, Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates are among the top choices. Mauritius, the Seychelles, Japan and South Africa are experiencing particularly strong growth. The Emirates are also recording double-digit growth even during summer.
Expansion of TUI hotel brands in Asia and Africa
In summer 2026, a total of 15 new hotels from TUI brands will open. Specifically, TUI Blue Pardu is being built in Sardinia and the first TUI Kids Club in Italy will open at Lake Garda.
Other TUI Kids Clubs will open in Germany and Turkey. In Tunisia, the second hotel of the luxury brand The Mora will start its first summer season, while the first TUI Blue in the Caribbean will open in Cura?ao.
New destinations such as Gambia are also being added to the tourist map. TUI Blue Tamala has opened as the first hotel in West Africa.
“We are seeing growing demand for authentic experiences, even in countries that were not in the spotlight a few years ago,” notes TUI Germany’s CEO, Benjamin Jacobi.
Asia remains a growth driver, with TUI Suneo Da Nang in Vietnam and Riu Palace Phuket in Thailand. New hotels also include Riu Ventura in Cancun and Riu Palace Swahili in Zanzibar.
Offers for families
For summer 2026, TUI offers a wide range of family offers, with affordable prices for children starting from 149 euros. In many family hotels in Germany, Austria, Italy, Croatia and other European countries, children up to 11 years old stay for free in their parents’ room.
Starting tomorrow, TUI is also launching a special offer for families: from December 4 to 9, the cost for children in selected hotels will be 99 euros. This offer applies, among others, to the TUI Kids Clubs in Corfu (TUI Kids Club Roda Beach), Mallorca and Menorca.
In general, attracting family vacations for 2026 is at the center of TUI Germany’s marketing strategy at this time, with TUI Germany’s head, Benjamin Jacobi, emphasizing: “Family tourism must remain affordable.”
This enhanced strategy is not accidental. In recent years, price increases have hit families the hardest, many of whom abandoned the organized travel market — especially in traditionally budget-friendly destinations such as the Turkish Riviera before the pandemic.
