The German travel giant reported weaker third-quarter results, with revenue falling 5.6 percent year-on-year to €5.9 billion and customer numbers down 3 percent to 9.9 million.

Meanwhile, adjusted operating profit also declined from €321 million to €235 million between April and June.

Unusual year

Sébastien Ebel, TUI Chief Executive, said that despite these figures, the group was performing resiliently in what he described as an unusually difficult year.

He added “2026 is not a normal year”, noting that demand remains strong but that travellers are taking longer to commit to their holidays.

As reported by Publituris, the conflict involving Iran and the United States has had a significant impact on the group’s operations, costing TUI around €60 million. However, the company now says bookings are beginning to recover, particularly for Mediterranean destinations.

Summer revenue

Although forward-booked revenue for summer 2026 remains 6 percent below last year’s level, bookings during the latest four-week period were 7 percent higher, suggesting that consumers are becoming more confident about travelling.

Short and medium-haul holidays continue to dominate demand, with Greece and Spain proving particularly popular. The Balearic and Canary Islands are also among the destinations attracting the strongest interest.

TUI has also reported renewed demand for the eastern Mediterranean, where bookings and hotel demand are showing signs of returning to more normal levels after months of geopolitical uncertainty. However, expected occupancy for the group’s fourth quarter remains below the level recorded a year earlier.

Consumer behaviour

One of the biggest changes in consumer behaviour has been the increase in late bookings, as economic uncertainty has encouraged travellers to delay their purchasing decisions, a trend TUI says has become much more pronounced than in previous years.

Ebel also pointed to changing weather patterns across Europe as a potential opportunity for the travel industry.

The warmer conditions outside the traditional summer season are encouraging some holidaymakers to travel during quieter periods, including spring and autumn.

Seasonal operations

TUI therefore sees potential in extending its seasonal operations into traditionally quieter months, with flights planned to Heraklion, Crete, in November and has been working with local businesses to ensure that restaurants and other services remain open for visitors.

The move reflects a broader strategy to respond to changing travel habits, with TUI identifying November, December, February and March as months where there could be greater opportunities to attract holidaymakers.