Despite a loss of 25 million euros caused by heat wave and fires in the countries of the Mediterranean basin, the German tour operator TUIthe world leader in its sector, remains optimistic for the summer season.
The costs related to cancellations and unsold trips, compensation and repatriation flights are estimated by the group at around 25 million euros, TUI announced, specifying at the same time that reservations for this current summer stand at 95 % of summer 2019 level. Greece but also Spain and Turkey are the German tour operator’s most popular travel destinations. “The summer of 2023 is going very well (…) The Mediterranean remains the most requested destination for summer holidays“said TUI CEO and Chairman of the Board, Sebastian Ebel, quoted in a press release.
The Greek island of Rhodes, hit by massive fires in July, is an important summer destination for the German tour operator specializing in air+hotel packages. He had to suspend his departures for Rhodes for several days and 8,000 of his customers had to leave their hotels in the south of the island.
“ The heatwave that hit Northern Europe in June and the wildfires that ravaged Southern Europe only temporarily dampened the strong growth recorded so far “Said Sebastian Ebel. And to add optimistically: We are investing today to continue to grow significantly and profitably in the future “.
