Image: NIKOLAY DOYCHINOV (AFP)
After the Corona period with all its restrictions, Austrians feel like traveling again. There is a real need to catch up, said TUI Austria boss Gottfried Math on Thursday at the holiday fair that started in Vienna. “More than ever, people need a break.” Thanks to a very strong start to bookings this year despite inflationary pressure, his group is optimistic for a very good summer and travel year in 2023 overall.
Desire to travel despite inflation
Concerns about a reduced desire to travel due to inflation and the many crises have “vanished”, according to Math. However, the issue of inflation plays a role in the fact that the trend towards short-term bookings is declining. Tour operators like TUI offer different fixed-price packages for early bookers, who then see themselves on the safe side in terms of price. However, the TUI average prices are 8 percent higher this year than in the previous year.
More than half take “All Inclusive”
Another trend due to inflation is that people are increasingly booking “all inclusive” packages with the tour operator giant. “This is a trend, especially in times when customers are looking at their money and calculating exactly how much they can spend.” More than half of TUI travelers take “all inclusive”. Of course, his group put together offers for every wallet, the manager drummed up in front of journalists.
The most popular TUI destinations
The most important destination for TUI from Austria is Greece. It is followed by Spain and Turkey. By region, the leading destinations are the Turkish Riviera near Antalya, Crete and Rhodes. According to Math, there will already be a shortage of offers at the regional destinations mentioned, especially in July. Bookings there are currently 15 to 20 percent above the level of the last pre-corona year 2019.
More trips
According to the tourism expert, additional services at the holiday destination such as excursions, visits to museums or culinary tastings are also in greater demand overall. People want to experience something again.
As reported, the TUI Group also wants to become more sustainable. Surveys by the company show that many travelers also want this in principle. But according to the TUI survey, only ten percent are willing to pay more for it.
Source: Nachrichten
