TUI Group, the leading global travel and leisure company, is making significant strides to expand its offerings and promote sustainability through several new initiatives. This includes launching new direct flight services, increasing seat availability for the upcoming summer season, and implementing ambitious conservation projects aimed at protecting vulnerable mangrove ecosystems.
Beginning June 20, 2026, TUI will introduce direct flights from Belfast International Airport to Punta Cana International Airport, marking the only direct service connecting Northern Ireland to the Dominican Republic. Craig Morgan, TUI’s head of Ireland, expressed enthusiasm for the new route, stating, "We are delighted to offer our customers in Northern Ireland the opportunity to experience the Dominican Republic with our new direct flights from Belfast next summer." This new service, operating every Saturday for four weeks, will provide travelers with exciting holiday possibilities.
Adding to the excitement, TUI has announced it will increase its Summer 2025 flight schedule by 300,000 seats, bringing the total to 10.2 million against the backdrop of significant changes to its existing long-haul routes. The travel service decided to withdraw direct services from London Gatwick to Costa Rica and Saint Lucia, alongside discontinuing flights from Birmingham to Orlando, Florida. A company spokesperson reassured customers, stating, "Holidays to St Lucia and Costa Rica will still operate through third-party airliners, rather than with TUI Airways." These adjustments highlight TUI's strategy of refocusing its flight offerings to best match consumer demand.
While the flight schedule changes may be disheartening for some, they also open doors for innovative initiatives. The TUI Care Foundation is spearheading ambitious projects to conserve mangroves—critical ecosystems known for their ability to combat coastal erosion and support biodiversity. The foundation's latest projects, TUI Forest Mauritius and TUI Forest Dominican Republic, aim to rejuvenate and expand mangrove habitats through extensive tree planting. Alexander Panczuk, Executive Director of the TUI Care Foundation, stressed the importance of these ecosystems, stating, "Mangroves are a sometimes-overlooked ecosystem, and yet they are fundamental in protecting coastal communities and biodiversity." Both projects seek to plant hundreds of thousands of mangrove trees and involve local communities through educational programs and eco-tourism opportunities.
The initiative for the Dominican Republic is currently restoring 100 hectares of mangrove forests through collaboration with partners like the Global Nature Fund and Centro para la Conservación y Eco-Desarrollo de la Bahía de Samaná y su Entorno (CEBSE). This will not only improve environmental conditions but also boost local economies by creating jobs and promoting tourism. The TUI Foundation is planning to train over 20 nature guides, contributing to the local economy through eco-tourism opportunities, thereby integrating conservation with the community’s livelihood.
On the travel accommodation side, TUI celebrated the opening of its 20th hotel in Asia—the TUI BLUE Guilin Watermark Promenade situated among the stunning landscapes of Guilin. This hotel will expand TUI's reach by appealing to travelers from both Europe and the growing Asian market. Sebastian Ebel, CEO of TUI Group, affirmed the significance of this move, emphasizing, "With our new hotels in Asia, we are now also increasingly attracting Asian guests holidaying in the region and are thereby growing beyond our European hemisphere." The new hotel features scenic views along the Li River and has plans for expansion, showcasing TUI’s commitment to growing its international presence.
Overall, TUI Group's recent announcements underline its commitment to enhancing travel options, embracing sustainability, and strengthening community ties worldwide. From direct flights linking Northern Ireland with the Caribbean to proactive conservation efforts aimed at protecting delicate ecosystems, TUI is setting the stage for future growth and responsibility. This blend of innovation and conservation exemplifies the company’s dedication to leading the travel industry toward more sustainable practices, ensuring environmental and economic benefits for generations to come.