TUI sets out ambition to become biggest escorted tours company

Wednesday, 25 Sep, 2019 0

TUI has significantly expanded its new escorted tours programme for 2020, adding several new, off-the-beaten track destinations including Uzbekistan (above), South Korea and Albania.

TUI Tours, which was launched in July 2018, includes a total of 70 destinations for 2020, which is a 50% increase for the summer season and a 25% increase for the winter.

Commercial director Richard Sofer said the operator wanted to continue to grow the programme with the aim of becoming the biggest escorted tours operator within the next three to five years, overtaking the likes of Riviera Travel and others.

Describing TUI Tours target market as ‘energised adventurers’, Sofer said the programme was aimed at over 50s who want to explore new countries with the security of a reputable company.

Included are ‘bucket list’ destinations from South America to Africa to Asia.

"These are not the sort of tours you expect from TUI," said UK managing director Andrew Flintham

The tours use local guides, they have some degree of flexibility, they can be booked online and customers can fly from 12 UK airports. Numbers are restricted to a maximum of 25 per tour and, crucially, departures are guaranteed, irrespective of the number of bookings.

Linsey McNeill

Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk

Intrepid Travel is a world leader in sustainable experience-rich travel that has been taking travellers to discover the world’s most amazing places...

Nium was founded on the mission to build the global payments infrastructure of tomorrow, today. With the onset of the on-demand...

Since 1932, P&O Cruises has offered Aussies and Kiwis the opportunity to take to the seas and have the holiday...

We work with reliable data providers with global coverage, that guarantee data representativeness as well as compliance with International Personal...

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

Princess Hotels & Resorts is a hotel chain specialising in holiday and urban hotels located in first class tourist destinations,...

River cruising is a treat for the senses, allowing you to see, touch, feel and experience the world like never...

Consisting of the three Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island as well as Newfoundland and...

We make travel accessible for everyone We believe everyone should be free to experience the world. For us, there’s no...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

With long periods of Thailand’s History, according to evidences and studies, Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Thailand. At that time, an early Thai...

It’s easy to find perfection in Santa Barbara, but what if there was even more of your favorite finds, activities,...

Wonderful Indonesia Indonesia is a country blessed with countless wonders. What makes this country unique is its diverse culture and...

The Florida Keys and Key West is a 126 mile long string of Islands connected to South Florida by the...

The State of Michigan is blessed with the riches of unspoiled nature: the nation’s longest freshwater coastline, lakes that feel like...

Some describe it as a natural playground. Some say, it’s simply unique as it offers a great array of travel...

AXA Assistance specializes in best-in-class cost containment, health and travel services. Over 60 years of experience combined with a US and...

MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) is an S&P 500® global entertainment company with national and international locations featuring best-in-class hotels...