Greece, Turkey, Egypt, And Italy Soar To New Heights In TUI’s Record-Breaking 2026 Pre-Bookings From Germany As Top Travel Destinations

Published on December 5, 2025

TUI’s 2026 pre-bookings from Germany are at an all-time high, with Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Italy leading the way. These Mediterranean hotspots are drawing German travelers seeking both culture and relaxation. The surge highlights strong demand for these destinations, positioning them for significant growth in the coming year. TUI’s record-breaking bookings emphasize the growing popularity of these sun-soaked, culturally rich locations.

TUI is seeing a spectacular start to its 2026 season, with demand for holidays surging, especially from the German market. Early bookings are already setting records, and Black Friday offers have played a significant role in driving this success. Greece has emerged as the star destination, with demand for the Greek islands reaching impressive levels. TUI’s extensive flight operations, coupled with strategic partnerships, have contributed to Greece’s rise in popularity, positioning it as one of the top choices for German holidaymakers in 2026.

The surge in bookings is not only for the well-known Greek islands but also for smaller, lesser-known destinations. Popular islands like Crete, Rhodes, and Kos have seen a steady rise in demand. Smaller islands such as Corfu and Samos are also gaining attention. One of the driving forces behind this trend is TUI’s collaboration with the Greek National Tourism Organization (GNTO), which aims to boost Greece’s appeal as a premier travel destination. Additionally, the TUI Kids Club Blue Lagoon in Halkidiki has become a major attraction for families, with strong double-digit growth in bookings.

TUI’s data indicates that more than four million travelers choose Greece every year, and the company offers more than 50 branded hotels across the country. TUI fly operates around 180 flights weekly to popular Greek destinations, which further enhances the accessibility and convenience for German tourists looking to visit Greece in 2026.

Rising Popularity of Greece: A Competitive Edge in the Market

In terms of destination rankings, TUI’s data shows that Antalya remains at the top of the list, but the competition is close. Greece, along with Mallorca, Crete, Rhodes, and Kos, forms the core of the top five most-booked destinations. Meanwhile, Turkey follows as a close contender in terms of demand, and Egypt is experiencing a significant growth rate, seeing a 30 percent rise in bookings compared to the previous year.

In Italy, TUI is tapping into the growing trend of driving holidays by offering 70 new hotels, many of which are located in the northern regions. This move caters to the rising demand for flexible, road-based travel experiences. For long-haul destinations, TUI has seen notable increases in bookings for Mauritius and the UAE, which continue to rise in popularity. TUI’s strategy is to cater to a wide range of vacation preferences by expanding its offerings and ensuring its destinations align with current trends.

Early Start to 2026: Record-Setting Bookings and Consumer Trends

TUI’s 2026 season kicked off on May 29, and the results have been exceptional, with more than 10,000 bookings made on the very first day. This early enthusiasm from German travelers is a direct result of strong pre-booking activity, particularly in light of Black Friday promotions. These early bookings reflect a broader trend in the industry, where travelers are planning their holidays earlier than usual.

Consumers are no longer just seeking basic holidays; they are seeking immersive travel experiences that offer more than just sightseeing. TUI’s Product Director has observed that round trips, once a niche product, are now a mainstream preference. More travelers are choosing to engage with local cultures and explore off-the-beaten-path destinations. In response, TUI has expanded its personalized TUI Tours offerings, adding new routes such as Sicily, Andalusia, Cappadocia, and the Peloponnese.

City breaks have also seen a surge, with a 9 percent increase in bookings. More travelers are using their second or third holidays of the year to explore urban destinations. TUI has responded to this trend by expanding its city break offerings in cities such as Paris, Istanbul, Athens, London, and Porto.

Long-Haul Travel and Cruises: Rising Interest from German Tourists

Long-haul travel continues to rise, with Germans eager to explore new continents. TUI’s survey revealed that 25 percent of German travelers are planning to visit a new continent in 2026, with Asia and Africa emerging as popular choices. As a result, TUI is significantly expanding its hotel portfolio in both Asia and Africa. In Asia alone, the company has opened more than 25 new hotels under its own brands.

Cruises are also gaining in popularity, with 20 percent of respondents saying they plan to take a cruise in 2026. TUI is responding to this demand by launching a new ship, “Mein Schiff Flow,” in 2026, offering travelers an even more luxurious and unique cruising experience. Road trips remain stable as well, with 18 percent of travelers planning car journeys through Germany and Europe.

Solo Travel and Family Holidays: TUI’s Expanding Offers

The trend of solo travel is on the rise, with more than 12 percent of Germans planning to travel alone in 2026. TUI has recognized this demand and is offering tailored experiences, including Solo Weeks at select hotels. For families, TUI is focusing on making holidays affordable, especially as price hikes have impacted family travel in recent years. To cater to this need, TUI has introduced various promotions, such as offering reduced rates for children. For example, from December 4 to 9, families can book stays at TUI Kids Clubs in destinations like Corfu, Mallorca, and Menorca for as little as 99 euros for children.

New Destinations and Hotel Openings for 2026

TUI is preparing for the 2026 summer season with the opening of 15 new hotels, including TUI Blue Pardu in Sardinia and the first-ever TUI Kids Club in Italy at Lake Garda. Additional hotels will open in Germany, Turkey, Tunisia, and the Caribbean. Notably, TUI Blue Tamala in Gambia will be the first hotel of its kind in West Africa. As Asia continues to drive growth, TUI is also opening hotels in destinations such as Vietnam and Thailand, with new properties also planned for Mexico and Zanzibar.

TUI’s record-breaking 2026 pre-bookings from Germany reveal Greece, Turkey, Egypt, and Italy as the top travel destinations, driven by a surge in demand for Mediterranean escapes offering rich culture and relaxation.

As TUI continues to grow and adapt to changing traveler preferences, it is clear that the demand for more authentic, personalized experiences is reshaping the future of travel. The company’s ability to respond to these trends through expanded offerings and innovative strategies will likely drive its continued success in 2026 and beyond.