Tui reports sales surge as heatwave ‘inspires’ more bookings

Tui UK & Ireland has reported a jump in sales as the recent heatwave has been “inspiring” more customers to book summer holidays.

The operator said it has seen bookings increase over recent days for June departures and the school holiday period.

Its sales for June are up 20% year on year, with the Balearics and Canaries seeing the strongest demand, up 60% and 50% respectively.

Seven-night holidays are the most popular but four-night breaks have increased the most week-on-week, up by 40%.

Neil Swanson, Tui UK & Ireland managing director, said: “Despite what people may think, hot weather at home doesn’t dampen demand.

“A spell of good weather at home can actually inspire people to book, not hold back.

“It gives them a taste of summer and often leaves them wanting more.

“And with the weather forecast set to cool next week, it could prompt even more people to lock in a sunshine break abroad, with the joy of sunshine fresh in their minds.

“We’ve still got plenty of free kids’ places across the whole summer period, flexible durations flying from 22 regional airports and great hotels and resorts available too.”

Sister brand First Choice has also seen a spike in short breaks since the heatwave, said the company.

First Choice’s most popular booking durations are typically seven or 14 nights, but between May 22-28, there was a sharp increase in four-night stays, which made up almost 10% of all bookings.

Two-thirds (66%) of bookings made in this period were for trips departing in the next 14 to 30 days and with Greece and Spain the favourite destinations.

Furthermore, Marella Cruises, Tui’s UK cruise line, has seen an uplift in bookings during the heatwave, with sailings from Palma up 30% compared to the previous week.

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