TUI: Middle East ‘hesitancy’ fuels shift to Med, Caribbean
Tour operator group TUI has noted some impact on bookings due to the conflict in the Middle East.
However, it isn’t stopping customers from booking holidays completely.
TUI UK Managing Director Neil Swanson cited ‘uncertainty’ about trips to the region and Asia long haul flights with connections in the Gulf.
“We recognise that the situation is deeply concerning, and it’s completely understandable that some people are feeling uncertain about upcoming travel,” he said in an update.
“Our focus is on supporting customers with clear information and flexible options. We’re seeing a short period of hesitation around trips to parts of the Gulf region and routings through hubs such as Dubai or Doha.”
“While we are seeing some cancellations in the affected areas, these are currently outweighed by customers choosing to amend their plans instead – whether that’s switching dates, choosing a route that avoids the region or selecting a different destination.”
Customers are choosing the Med and Caribbean as alternatives.
“We’re seeing particularly strong demand for our direct long-haul flights to the Caribbean – especially the Dominican Republic and Jamaica.”
Long haul nonstop flights to Asia are also selling well.
The tour operator recently completed the repatriation of about 10,000 package and cruise guests from the Middle East.
Related News Stories: TUI: US bookings have significantly declined - TravelMole ITB Berlin reaffirmed the critical value of global travel networking UK Foreign Office advises travellers to avoid Cuba - TravelMole Finnair expands European network and strengthens Lapland links Partner News - TravelMole Cambodia and Vietnam accelerate and upgrade land borders links Jet2.com - TravelMole
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025
U.S.A. and Israel attacks on Iran impact air movements in the Gulf (Update 1.00pm CET)
Global tourism exceeds 1.5 billion travelers announces UN-Tourism