Latest news with #TUI
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
UK tourists choosing Mediterranean rival over Spain with cheaper flights and hotels
Amid sharp price rises when travelling to Spain, more and more British tourists are turning away from the European country in favour of Morocco as they seek more affordable and diverse travel options. Compared to pre-pandemic prices, flights from the UK to Spain have more than doubled in some cases, no longer making it an option for budget-conscious tourists, reports In contrast, flights to Morocco have remained affordable, with recent figures from travel agencies and booking platforms showing the scales have tipped in the African country's favour. READ MORE: UK tourists in Spain urged 'not to drink' as authorities issue major alert Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join Now, Morocco has become a top choice among Brits looking for an affordable while still enriching holiday experience. TUI UK has reported a 30% rise in summer bookings to Egypt compared to 2024, along with double-digit growth for Tunisia and strong demand for Morocco, all citing better value for money. Meanwhile, recorded a 68% increase in searches for summer breaks in Tunisia, with increases in Egypt and Morocco of 64% and 39%, respectively. Morocco has become increasingly popular thanks to its high-quality hotels, which are being advertised at significantly lower prices than similar options in Spain, France and Italy. For example, a week's holiday in Agadir averages around £889 per person, while popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Marbella in Spain now require travellers to fork out prices ranging from £1,000 up to £2,700 per person, according to EuroWeekly. Meanwhile, recorded a 68% increase in searches for summer breaks in Tunisia, with rises in Egypt and Morocco of 64% and 39%, respectively. Morocco has become increasingly popular thanks to its high-quality hotels, which are being offered at significantly lower prices than similar options in Spain, France and Italy. For example, a week's holiday in Agadir averages around £889 per person, while popular destinations like Santorini and Mykonos in Greece and Marbella in Spain now require travellers to fork out prices ranging from £1,000 up to £2,700 per person, according to EuroWeekly. While Spain remains a favourite destination for many, the cost of flights and accommodation has sharply increased, especially in hotspots like the Canary Islands and Costa del Sol on the southern coast. These price hikes are a result of both increased demand and new tourist taxes introduced by local governments to fund sustainability projects and improve the lives of locals. However, these additional fees are starting to drive budget-conscious tourists away. Morocco's tourism sector has expanded rapidly, and millions of visitors arrive annually. The country has made considerable investments in infrastructure, safety, and marketing, and it has now become a top holiday destination for British tourists seeking sunny getaways that combine both adventure and relaxation. Tourists can explore vibrant medinas in Marrakech, Fez, and Rabat, discover stunning mosques like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, trek through the Atlas Mountains, relax on beautiful beaches, and experience the Sahara Desert while hitching a ride on a camel. Meanwhile, Spain continues to tackle overcrowding in its most popular areas and ongoing protests by locals who share concerns about the cost of living, housing and the environmental impact of mass tourism. On Sunday (June 15), thousands of angry Majorcans marched through the capital, Palma, telling tourists to "go home". Morocco's unmatched affordable prices, rich culture, and expanding tourism infrastructure are quickly making it a preferred destination for British holidaymakers, meaning Spain will need to devise a plan to respond.
Business Recorder
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Recorder
European shares firm
FRANKFURT: European shares rose on Friday after declining for three straight sessions, as a stall in the United States' involvement in the Middle East conflict helped soothe investor concerns. The pan-European STOXX 600 was up 0.6% at 538.85 points at 0834 GMT. The benchmark is set to log a second consecutive weekly fall. Israel and Iran's air war entered a second week and European officials sought to draw Tehran back to the negotiating table. The White House said President Donald Trump will decide within the next two weeks about whether to join Israel in the war. That helped improve market sentiment, spurring some interest in risk assets that were sold off earlier in the week on uncertainty around how long the conflict would go on. 'The investors are taking a little bit more risk on their shoulders... it is perhaps because the US is now giving itself two weeks and maybe some diplomatic opening window there to resolve the situation in Iran,' said Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior market analyst at Swissquote Bank. Banks rose 1.3%, leading broader gains. Travel and leisure stocks were also up 1.3%, led by a 4.8% gain in Europe's largest travel operator TUI after Barclays upgraded the stock to 'overweight' from 'underweight'. Conversely, energy shares were at the bottom of the index with a 0.3% decline but were headed for a weekly gain. Investors also remain wary of the approaching July 8 tariff-pause deadline, with little progress on trade deals with Washington. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is still aiming to reach a deal by July 9. 'Geopolitical tensions are kind of hiding the other worries in the market, which are trade negotiations being delayed with the US occupied with what to do with the Middle East,' said Ozkardeskaya. Trump's tariffs have been a source of turmoil and volatility in the last few months, and have already begun to upend global supply chains and threatened economic growth. Most regional bourses were also higher, with ones in Germany and the UK up 0.8% and 0.4% respectively. Among other stocks, London's Berkeley was the biggest percentage decliner, down 6.7%. The homebuilder named current finance chief Richard Stearn as its new CEO, but reported an annual pre-tax profit slightly ahead of market expectations. Eutelsat shares jumped over 19% after the French government announced it would become the satellite company's biggest shareholder following a 1.35 billion-euro ($1.55 billion) capital increase.
Scottish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon ON THE RHODES I went to the Greek island that's the 'birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes Credit: Getty 6 The TUI Rhodes half-marathon Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The majestic Acropolis Credit: Getty Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort Credit: Supplied Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then. GO: RHODES GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers. See MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19. See
The Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Sun
I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Rhodes; on my left, craggy hills rise up into the blue sky. 6 6 Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Palma on October 19. Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering Mediterranean and Kolymbia's Blue Flag beach. While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. 6 6 Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then.
The Irish Sun
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
I went to the Greek island that's the ‘birthplace of marathons' and ran the most beautiful 13 miles in the world
I'M 16 kilometres in and almost sorry I only have five more to go. On my right are the sparkling seas and ancient fortifications of Advertisement 6 The mountains of Halki island near Rhodes Credit: Getty 6 The TUI Rhodes half-marathon Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The majestic Acropolis Credit: Getty Around me are 4,500 sweaty other runners, all soaking up the beautiful course that is the TUI Rhodes half-marathon. I've run a lot of different places — along New York's Brooklyn Bridge, around France's Mont Saint-Michel, even in the moat at London's Tower of London — but this is easily one of the most beautiful. Starting in the middle of town, the two large 10km loops take the runners (some who will do it twice to complete a marathon) along the water's edge, past the town's old fortified walls, around the Rhodes Windmills, before throwing a hill or two in there to really get the heart pumping. I have always wanted to do a run in Greece — it's the birthplace of the marathon. Advertisement Read More on GREECE And thanks to the stunning scenery, perfect climate and cheers of supportive locals, plus 700 volunteers who beam as they hand out gels and water along the way, I'm glad I've finally made it out here. At 20km in, I see the pro marathon runners on the other side of the course. And I realise that, thanks to the trail, these gazelles are likely to lap some of the slower half-marathon runners. I better pick up my pace. Soon, it's 500 metres to go, 400, 300 . . . suddenly, in the crowd, I spot my husband cheering me on and I give it one last push, thundering over the line in 1hr 55mins. Advertisement Most read in Beach holidays I'm happy with the result, and even happier that, for the rest of the day, I have the Greek sun — and even more importantly, Greek food — to revive me. I'm here for the TUI Collection experiences, a package that allows you to get flights, sign up to run 5km, 10km, a half-marathon or even a marathon, and relax at an all-inclusive. The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach After all, as much as we all love a fly and flop, TUI have realised how hot running is currently. And they are happy to deliver packages to help you head to some of the most picturesque destinations for your next race. Advertisement TUI are supporting more and more sports events, including a run (marathon, half, 10km and 5km) in Swim-up suites Tired out from my exertions, I spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool at the stunning, adults-only Imperial Atlantica resort, beside the shimmering While the shoulder season means the sun disappears behind some clouds every so often, it's still warm enough to sunbathe — and is quieter and cheaper than the summer months. The facilities are that little bit quieter, too, meaning I get an easy slot in the hotel's sauna to help my muscles recover, and score a great spot by the pool. Advertisement 6 Runners pass the Rhodes Windmills Credit: TUI / Christian Wyrwa 6 The adults only Atlantica Imperial Resort Credit: Supplied Even in entry level rooms, you're treated to Nespresso coffee machines, bathrobes and slippers. And for extra luxury, you can plump for one of the swim-up suites that lead straight out onto the many pools winding their way through the resort. Advertisement But if you get tired of relaxing, I would heartily recommend getting out of the hotel and exploring the local area. The Old Town in Rhodes is filled with fantastic shops and restaurants — and we fill up post-marathon with mouth-watering dolmades, tzatziki, stews and a final delectable bite of baklava. Meanwhile, you can sign up to olive oil or wine tasting courses, explore Lindos Acropolis and hike up the mountains that dot around the island. Our own trip is over too quickly, and we sit by our personal pool until the very last moment when the taxi arrives to drive us half an hour to the airport. Advertisement But there's no chance I'll be forgetting this holiday. After all, unlike other trips, I have a physical medal as my souvenir. And we do all deserve a little reward now and then. GO: RHODES GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights' all-inclusive at the 5H Atlantica Imperial Resort is from £1,029pp including flights from Gatwick in September, 23kg hold luggage and transfers. See MORE INFO: Sign up to run in the 10k, half-marathon or full marathon in Palma, Majorca, on October 19. See 6 The Sun's Brittany Vonow in Rhodes Credit: Supplied Advertisement
