TUI Germany to Expand, Offer Cheaper Rates, New Greek Destinations

Zakynthos is one of the Greek destinations TUI will “return” to in summer 2016.

In efforts to win back its share of the German market, TUI Germany announced the launch this week of a far-reaching strategy which will include a massive expansion of its hotel program, rate reductions and a more focused TUIfly flight schedule for the summer of 2016.

According to German tourism and business travel magazine FVW, TUI’s new Germany chief Sebastian Ebel aims to increase its market share by 2020 to 25 percent following a 5 percent decline in recent years, boost revenues, enhance profits and improve customer satisfaction.

As part of its ambitious plan, TUI is returning to a number of “small” destinations, including Samos, Karpathos and Zakynthos in Greece, where overall capacity is up by 30 percent.

TUI prices, meanwhile are expected to drop by about 2-3 percent on average, with Greece rates remaining stable despite the VAT hike applicable on holiday islands.

TUI has added 3,500 new hotels in short/medium-haul and long-haul destinations with 1,400 new hotels on offer in the Mediterranean and on the Canary Islands, marking a 24 percent rise, and 1,700 additional hotels in overseas destinations.

The group also aims to expand its range of own-brand hotels. There will be 34 more exclusive hotels, with the new international “Family Life” concept hotels to launch with nine properties in the Balearics, Canaries and Greece.