Tui Group reports UK as ‘most advanced’ summer bookings market

The summer performance is set to end in line with expectations, but a later booking pattern continues into the winter.

The UK was the most advanced market, with 4% ahead of the rest of the world.

The key peak departure months of July and August closed at 98% of summer 2019.

The UK is the most advanced booked region for the winter.

Flight disruption costs continued to improve through the July to September period.

The group said in a trading update that their current assumption is for a winter programme close to normalised pre-pandemic levels.

We will use our flexible and integrated business model to ensure that we provide our customers with the best winter holiday experience, as well as the assurance that we remain the best choice for holiday travel.

The near departure months of November and December make up 81% of winter 2022-23 bookings.

The expectation of a return to significant positive underlying profit was confirmed by the company.

Greece and Turkey were the most popular summer destinations.

The flight disruption experienced in the UK in May and June has improved through the fourth quarter.

In the summer peak, the cruise business continued to recover, with occupancies increasing and rates increasing.

The company said that winter 2022-23 occupancies are progressing in line with expectations.

The proportion of mid-term bookings is increasing as customer confidence improves.

In the first nine months of the year, the sale of tours and activities increased by more than 6 million dollars.

The outgoing chief executive and his successor said in a statement that they expect a strong travel summer in 2022.

The financial year will close with a positive underlying EBIT.

In the UK, bookings have been above pre-crisis levels at + 4%, while in Germany and the Netherlands they have been above pre-crisis levels.

The trend has been towards longer holidays with bigger budgets.

The importance of holidays and travel in the post-Corona era is shown by this.

Our strong brand, exclusive product portfolio with proprietary holiday experiences at hotels, clubs and cruise ships are competitive advantages that will continue to pay off and that we are building on.

The efficiency programmes successfully implemented during the Pandemic have resulted in a reduction in our cost structure.

We are more efficient. We have the freedom to invest in the customer and holiday experience because of this.