The CEO of TUI has suggested that heatwaves and the impacts of climate change might lead people to choose different holiday destinations and times, favoring cooler seasons like spring and
autumn.
Sebastian Ebel, the chief executive of the travel company, mentioned that travelers could opt for destinations like Greece in November, which could benefit the travel industry.
Ebel also mentioned that places such as the Belgian or Polish coast could become more appealing to tourists.
TUI reported that the wildfires in Rhodes in July incurred a cost of €25 million ($21.5 million) for the company. Around 8,000 TUI customers were evacuated from the Greek island due to the wildfires, but the company noted that 80% of its guests were not affected.
Ebel commented that the climate situation was different from what he had expected when he visited Rhodes during the wildfires. He said that the fire was not as visible as he had anticipated.
The Rhodes wildfires forced over 20,000 people to evacuate from various parts of Greece, with thousands of UK holidaymakers being repatriated.
Although the wildfires temporarily impacted demand, TUI stated that bookings for the past week were 5% higher than the same period last year, indicating a broader recovery in holiday bookings following the pandemic.
The cost of the wildfires was attributed to cancellations, compensation, repatriation flights, and welfare expenses.
TUI highlighted that the incident underscored the advantages of booking package tours with operators, as they offer comprehensive services, especially during extraordinary situations.
Ebel mentioned that TUI is planning to expand its range of destinations to mitigate similar risks in the future. Destinations with milder temperatures, like Nordic countries, might gain popularity, although the Mediterranean region remains a top choice for holidaymakers.
TUI is also considering introducing new insurance options for tourists traveling to areas affected by climate change-related disruptions.
TUI recently reported a return to third-quarter profitability for the first time since the pandemic began. Bookings for summer 2023 have risen by 6% year-on-year, reaching 95% of 2019 levels.
The company attributed its price increases to the popularity of summer holidays and customers' continued willingness to prioritize travel and experiences.
TUI noted that popular destinations this summer include Turkey, the Caribbean, the Balearics, Greece, the Canary Islands, and Cape Verde. Photo by El Nino, Wikimedia commons.