Greece Emerges as Top Choice for German Travelers in 2026 with TUI Reporting Record Early Bookings

Published on December 4, 2025

Greece is fast becoming a leading destination for German travelers in 2026, with early bookings showing levels nearly matching Spain. Strong promotional activity, increased flight schedules, and a partnership with the Greek National Tourism Organization have fueled a surge in demand, positioning Greece at the forefront of summer holiday planning.

TUI’s initial sales indicate that travelers are planning earlier than in previous years. The combination of Black Friday deals and a wider selection of flights has resulted in a record number of pre-bookings. Greece now emerges as a top choice for German holidaymakers, with Turkey trailing closely behind.

Greek Islands Drive Holiday Growth

The Greek islands continue to dominate booking trends. Crete, Rhodes, and Kos lead in popularity, benefiting from expanded hotel selections and higher flight frequency. Smaller islands like Corfu and Samos are also seeing increasing interest, appealing to travelers seeking more relaxed and authentic island experiences.

Enhanced flight capacity has played a key role in supporting this growth. TUI fly now operates nearly 180 weekly flights to Greek destinations, ensuring smoother travel options and convenience for visitors. Halkidiki has become particularly attractive for families, with new resorts offering extensive child-friendly activities, organized programs, and beachfront amenities.

Changing Patterns Across Europe and Beyond

Beyond Greece, other Mediterranean destinations are seeing dynamic shifts. Egypt is experiencing significant growth, with a near 30 percent increase compared to last year, reflecting renewed confidence and upgraded resorts. Italy continues to appeal to road-trip enthusiasts, prompting the addition of new accommodations, particularly in northern regions.

Long-haul destinations are seeing a resurgence in bookings. The UAE and Mauritius, in particular, have experienced strong growth as travelers seek warm-weather escapes with premium amenities and reliable connectivity.

Travelers Plan Earlier and Diversify Experiences

German travelers are increasingly planning their summer 2026 holidays well in advance. TUI recorded over 10,000 bookings on the first day of the 2026 season launch, a figure boosted further during Black Friday promotions. This trend demonstrates a growing focus on securing preferred hotels and flights early, especially in high-demand regions like Greece.

Round Trips and City Breaks Gain Popularity

Holidaymakers are expanding beyond traditional beach vacations. Multi-destination round trips are growing in popularity, reflecting a desire for cultural exploration and immersive experiences. Destinations such as Sicily, Andalusia, Cappadocia, and the Peloponnese have been added to TUI’s curated itineraries to meet this demand.

City breaks are also on the rise, with short urban stays increasing by nearly 10 percent. Many travelers now pair city trips with beach holidays, prompting TUI to expand offerings in cities like Paris, Athens, Istanbul, London, and Porto.

Long-Haul, Cruises, and Road Trips Remain in Demand

Interest in long-haul travel is rising, with Asia and Africa among the most sought-after destinations for 2026. TUI is responding with new hotel openings across both continents, catering to travelers seeking luxury resorts, family-friendly stays, and experiential travel.

Cruises maintain their appeal, with growing bookings prompting the introduction of additional capacity. Road trips across Europe continue to be popular, offering flexibility and scenic exploration. Solo travel is also increasing, supported by targeted hotel programs designed for independent travelers.

Global Hotel Expansion Supports Growing Demand

TUI is set to open 15 new hotels for summer 2026 across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. Highlights include a lifestyle resort in Sardinia, the first TUI Kids Club in Italy at Lake Garda, additional family resorts in Germany and Turkey, and premium openings in Tunisia. The Caribbean will welcome a new property in Curaçao, while Gambia will debut as a new West African destination.

Asia continues to be a key growth region, with upcoming hotels in Vietnam and Thailand, alongside new resorts in Mexico and Zanzibar. This expansion ensures a wide variety of options for travelers across continents and price ranges.

Family Travel a Core Focus

Family holidays remain central to TUI’s strategy for 2026. Children’s rates are highly competitive, with free stays for younger guests at select hotels. A limited-time promotion will also offer reduced rates for children in popular family resorts in Corfu, Mallorca, and Menorca. These initiatives aim to make family travel more accessible while maintaining quality and convenience.

By combining early-booking incentives, expanded flight options, and diversified holiday experiences, TUI is positioning Greece and other key destinations as the centerpiece of German summer travel in 2026, catering to families, solo travelers, and long-haul adventurers alike.