TUI posts 1.8 million winter bookings, up 1% as demand for winter sun holds

Travel giant TUI said it has taken 1.8 million bookings for the winter season so far, up 1% from a year earlier, signaling a positive start for sun-seeking travelers. The Canary Islands, Egypt, Spain and Cape Verde are the most popular short-haul destinations, while Thailand leads growth in long-haul trips. Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica remain key winter escapes for customers, the company said.

Bookings among British families are at the same level as last year, while German bookings are up about 1%. TUI said it is on track to deliver the improved targets it set in August after solid performances from its hotel and resort arm and its cruises division.

The company noted that the appeal of its cruise product remains strong in both the UK and German markets. For the winter season, TUI’s cruise offerings include itineraries to the Canaries, the Caribbean, the Indian Ocean, the Baltic Sea, Northern Europe and a semi-circumnavigation of Antarctica.

Shares rose more than 3% on the update but were still down about 2% for the year, reflecting a broader pullback in travel stocks. Analysts highlighted the resilience of TUI’s diversified portfolio as a factor supporting momentum despite headwinds from airline disruption and geopolitical tensions.

Julie Palmer, a partner at Begbies Traynor, said the results underscore TUI’s ability to navigate a competitive market, with its cruises and holiday experiences continuing to drive performance. The company’s scale, brand and diversified business mix position it to weather inflationary pressures and shifting consumer behavior as the winter months approach.

The update comes as the travel sector contends with higher living costs, energy prices and ongoing disruption in global aviation. As Europe’s largest tour operator, TUI emphasizes its capacity to fill capacity across hotels, resorts and cruises, aiming to extend momentum into the typically slower winter period.