TUI boss reveals the affordable holiday destinations set to be huge with 50p beers, cheap beach towns and exotic islands
TUI is doubling the number of hotels in an affordable holiday region set to be even bigger with Brits.
The tour operator already has a number of resorts across Asia, including in Thailand, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
New hotels recently launched for the first time in Vietnam, Malaysia and China.
And TUI‘s chief executive Sebastian Ebel said Asia is a “very attractive” destination for the brand.
He said: “We offer holiday packages for guests from Europe in the Far East and attract travellers from Asia who spend their holiday in the region.
“Our customer base is broadening and becoming more globally distributed.
“This will also make us less dependent on Europe, where the economy has recently slowed down.”
And TUI holiday experiences chief executive Peter Krueger said they were to “double the number of hotels in the region” in the next few years.
Around 18 hotels are currently open across Asia with TUI, with another 22 opening by 2027.
This also includes an expansion in Indonesia with a new luxury brand, The Mora, in Bali.
More flights have even been added to Thailand this winter and in 2025 after seeing an increase of 35 per cent in demand.
Vietnam is also a cheap destination, with Hoi An named the most affordable long-haul hotspot in this year’s Post Office Report.
Not only that but beers are even cheaper than Thailand with them found for as little as 50p, according to Holiday Hypermarket – although some bloggers claim to have found them for as little as 30p.
TUI’s expansion outside of Europe has seen new additions to their holiday packages.
In 2022, they launched flights to Senegal for the first time in more than a decade.
The tour operator is the only one in the UK to offer holiday packages with direct flights to the African country, which was even named a top 2025 trending destination.
TUI also expanded their safari offerings, with beach-safari breaks in Kenya.
Mr Ebel said: “There is a lot of growth outside the region of Europe.”
“I very much believe in Africa.”
And destinations like Cape Verde and Zanzibar are seeing rising popularity in holidaymakers.
Even North Africa is seeing soaring demand, including in Egypt where its cheaper than Spain for Brits.
What is a TUI holiday to Thailand like?
The Sun’s Travel Reporter Hope Brotherton recently visited Phuket with TUI.
Upon arrival, I opted for a speedboat tour of the Similan Islands, which is a tiny archipelago consisting of 11 picture-perfect islands that are often referred to by their corresponding number.
I hopped aboard with my tour group and whizzed along blue waters until reaching Island Eight, where we climbed up to Sail Rock for a panoramic view of Donald Duck Bay (called that for its resemblance to the Disney character.
But the best moment came during my snorkelling excursion where, just as I was about to retreat to the boat, several giant sea turtles suddenly appeared, swimming peacefully ahead of me.
Its not the only pinch me moment, as I fed rescued elephants at Elephant Hills in Khao Lak, with visit to the sanctuary one of the excursions offered to guests at the resort.
Other activities include a trek through the jungle, kayak tour along the Sok River and an excursion to Cheow Larn Lake to visit the Lake Camp, where you can paddleboard, kayak and swim.
Mr Ebel said: “What we see is more people going to Egypt in winter [instead of the Canary Islands].
Neil Swanson, TUI UK and Ireland managing director, agreed, saying: “Looking ahead to 2025, we’re seeing growing interest in North African destinations.”