TUI has officially kicked off its Greece season with a fully booked Easter flight from Vienna to Crete on April 12, 2025. This marks the beginning of what the tour operator anticipates will be a successful summer, as Greece continues to be the most sought-after destination for its guests. Alongside Crete and Rhodes, the island of Kos has secured its spot among the top three Greek islands favored by travelers.
For the upcoming summer months, TUI has expanded its flight and hotel offerings significantly, providing travelers with an impressive selection of 17 destinations across Greece. With over 120 weekly connections available from airports in Vienna, Graz, Salzburg, Linz, Innsbruck, and Budapest, the company is well-positioned to meet the anticipated demand. Following the inaugural flight to Crete, TUI has scheduled additional inaugural flights, including one to Rhodes from Salzburg on May 3, 2025, and to Kos from Linz and Graz on May 11, 2025. Moreover, flights from Vienna to Karpathos will resume on May 13, from Salzburg to Zakynthos on May 15, and from Vienna to Corfu on May 18.
This summer, TUI is also introducing the island of Limnos in the North Aegean Sea to its program, with weekly Sunday flights from Vienna commencing on June 29, 2025. To enhance the experience for holidaymakers, TUI has added three new hotels from its own brands to its portfolio on Rhodes, Corfu, and Kos. These include the family-friendly Tui Blue Atlantica Aegean Park on Rhodes, the Tui Kids Club Roda Beach Resort & Spa on Corfu, and the Tui Time To Smile Saline apartment complex on Kos.
To provide additional flexibility for travelers, TUI is offering an optional Flex Fare, enabling guests to rebook or cancel their package holidays or hotel bookings up to 15 or 29 days before departure without needing to provide a reason, depending on the flight type and booking time. For those looking to enhance their vacation experience, TUI also offers a variety of activities and experiences through its subsidiary, Tui Musement.
In addition to its robust Greece offerings, TUI is making strides in sustainability. Marella Cruises, in partnership with Apollo Group, has launched a new trial for reusable coffee cups onboard the Marella Explorer. This initiative aligns with TUI’s commitment to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, which aims to tackle plastic pollution within the tourism sector. The three-month trial, which commenced this month, will see 2,500 reusable coffee cups and lids stocked at The Coffee Port, the ship’s Premium All Inclusive coffee shop. Given that Marella Explorer serves approximately 3,500 takeaway coffees each week, the introduction of reusable cups represents a significant step towards reducing single-use plastics.
Olivia Wells, Sustainability Manager at Marella Cruises, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This move is important for Marella Cruises as the cruise line continues to support TUI’s commitment to the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. The reusable coffee cups trial is just some of the small steps we are taking to support the reduction of plastic waste on our ships." TUI Group is not only a signatory but also an Advisory Committee member of the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative, which brings together various stakeholders in the tourism industry to address the root causes of plastic pollution.
Meanwhile, TUI is also expanding its offerings to Cape Verde, launching new flights to Boa Vista, a stunning island that boasts Caribbean-like weather year-round. Flights will operate from East Midlands Airport twice weekly during the summer, with the first flight scheduled for April 26, 2025. This destination is quickly gaining popularity due to its beautiful white-sand beaches and laid-back atmosphere.
A seven-night holiday to Boa Vista, including flights and accommodation with a balcony, currently starts at £738 per person based on double occupancy. TUI describes Boa Vista as an "up and coming" destination that has only recently emerged from relative obscurity. With 55 kilometers of coastline, the island is perfect for those seeking a tranquil escape.
Holidaymakers can also enjoy wildlife watching opportunities, as humpback whales visit the waters around Boa Vista to breed between March and May, while loggerhead turtles are frequently spotted along the shores. For those looking for adventure, the Viana Desert in the north of the island offers a chance to explore via 4x4 or quad bike safari.
Chris Logan, TUI UK and Ireland Commercial Director, commented on the increasing demand for Boa Vista, saying, "Cape Verde has been a popular all-round holiday destination for some time now and we are seeing increased demand for Boa Vista. This new route from East Midlands, along with our expanded Cape Verde program, allows us to meet this growing demand." TUI is also adding extra Wednesday flights from London Gatwick to Boa Vista and an additional Saturday service from Bristol to Sal, another island in Cape Verde.
As the travel industry continues to navigate the post-pandemic landscape, TUI's recent expansions and commitment to sustainability signal a promising summer ahead for travelers eager to explore new destinations. With Greece, Cape Verde, and a focus on reducing plastic waste, TUI is positioning itself as a leader in the evolving travel market, catering to diverse preferences while remaining mindful of environmental impacts.
