The German tourism group TUI has observed a sustained increase in last-minute bookings in the travel sector, a direct consequence of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Presenting its quarterly results on Wednesday, the world's leading tourism company explained that many customers now prefer to wait before confirming their summer holidays, given the current unstable international climate.
This cautious approach primarily benefits destinations considered safer and closer to Western Europe. Spain, the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands, and Greece are experiencing strong demand, while trips requiring transit through Gulf hubs like Dubai, Doha, or Abu Dhabi are generating more hesitation among travelers.
The Middle East is permanently disrupting the market
According to TUI, nearly one in two customers has not yet booked their summer holidays, an unusually high level for this time of year. The group explains that the rapidly evolving conflict in the Middle East is leading consumers to prioritize flexibility and postpone their booking decisions.
Despite this tense situation, the tour operator is maintaining its annual forecasts, even though the financial impact of the war in Iran has already been estimated at several tens of millions of euros. Air travel disruptions and the temporary grounding of some ships have weighed on business, as has the rise in energy costs, which is weakening the entire global tourism sector.
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