JETTING OFF
TUI boss reveals plans for new long-haul destinations after huge demand for exotic holiday islands
TUI hopes to expand its network into southern African markets
TUI bosses have announced plans to introduce new long-haul destinations following a surge in demand for exotic holiday spots.
The airline's expansion will soon offer flights to new locations in Africa and Asia.
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Sebastian Ebel, TUI's chief executive, said, "There is a lot of growth outside the region of Europe."
African holiday destinations like Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Cape Verde have recently seen a huge rise in popularity, according to the airline boss.
Sebastian also revealed their ambitions to expand further into southern African markets.
"I very much believe in Africa," he added.
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It comes after TUI revealed it's "next big Mediterranean hotspot for Brits".
While Spain and Greece remain popular with holidaymakers from the UK, countries further east are booming.
And one of those is Albania, which has seen tourist numbers soar in recent years.
The Albanian Riviera has even been compared to the Maldives with bright blue waters and overwater huts.
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TUI chief executive Sebastian Ebel told the Independent that it's "on the agenda" to do more there.
He said: "I think the prospect is huge and I wouldn’t be surprised if we start a significant programme there."
The hotels in the Balearics voted best by TUI in 2024
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- Cape Verde Holidays from £464pp
- Tanzania Holidays from £1152pp
- Zanzibar Holidays from £1152pp
However, if you'd rather holiday in the Maldives without the price tag this next spot could be the one for you.
Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania in Africa, is to be the hottest new destination this summer.
Being dubbed the new Maldives, it is a much more affordable location with all-inclusive deals for a fraction of the price.
Jaymin Borkhatria, chief commercial officer at Southall Travel, told Sun Online Travel: "Zanzibar is an untapped destination for those looking for an authentic Indian Ocean getaway.
"Known as ‘The Spice Island’, it’s also famous as the birthplace of Queen frontman, Freddie Mercury.
"And with an array of flight routings, connecting in Kenya, Ethiopia, the UAE or Oman, prices are lower than other Indian Ocean locations and accommodation is more affordable."
Honeymoon specialist James Chapman also agreed, saying Zanzibar "really does rival the Maldives for its beaches and ocean".
Cheap deals can be found for less than £1,000 per person, which includes seven nights and return flights too.
It is an ideal summer holiday destination, with the best weather between June and October and temperatures as high as 34C.
What are the best Zanzibar holiday deals?
Away has seven nights at a 4* hotel, with return flights, for as little as £995pp, on a half-board basis.
If you fancy a five-star stay, then Southall has all-inclusive breaks from £1,145pp when staying at the Royal Zanzibar Beach Resort.
It's best to book a package holiday, as flights start from £554, according to Skyscanner, which take around 12 hours.
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It comes after TUI revealed it's offering free kids' places at selected hotels in Universal, Florida.
And the popular tour operator announced that it would launch two new routes from the UK to Brit-loved winter sun destinations.
Three money-saving travel hacks to take the stress out of your holidays
READY to escape the dreary weather? Here are some tips on saving cash
TIME TO FLY: Always use a flight comparison site, such as fly-scanner.com or kayak.co.uk, which will search for the cheapest operator on your chosen route.
Airlines release tickets up to a year in advance and, generally, the earlier you book, the cheaper flights are.
This is especially true if you’re planning to fly during peak periods, such as summer holidays.
FLEXIBLE WINS: You’ll be able to find the best deals if you can be flexible on destination or with dates of travel.
Flying midweek is usually the cheapest, while Fridays and Sundays tend to be the most expensive.
If you have set dates in mind, try Skyscanner’s “Everywhere” search tool, which will show the cheapest destinations available at those times.
PACKAGE UP: You can usually save cash by opting for an all-inclusive deal over booking flights and hotels separately, according to research by consumer group Which?.
However, it does depend on the destination so it’s worth doing your research.
Spain was found to be cheaper as an all-inclusive, but you would be better off doing a DIY holiday in Portugal’s Algarve.