The tourism network in southern Gran Canaria is closely monitoring developments in international distribution following the agreement reached between the travel agency cooperative Best-Reisen and TUI Germany to extend their long-term strategic alliance. The commercial agreement prioritizes expanding TUI's business within the cooperative network, maintaining above-average revenue for the sector, and implementing joint marketing campaigns.
The agreement encompasses communication services, public relations, the continuation of the brand alliance for TUI's premium partners, commercial initiatives through the Best-Connect platform, and coordinated actions in the pre-sales stage and the overall customer experience for those who choose the south of Gran Canaria.
Frank Winkler, CEO and CFO of Best-Reisen, stated that the renewal of the alliance projects excellent prospects for shared growth, highlighting the direct benefits for partner agencies and their loyal clientele. The negotiations were conducted based on a principle of reciprocity and balance maintained over decades of mutual collaboration, the specific financial terms of which have not been publicly disclosed.
On behalf of the German multinational, Ilka Lauenroth, Director of Sales and Franchises for TUI Germany, emphasized that the contract extension strengthens planning security for affiliated agencies and enables new joint investments in marketing and sustainability. Similarly, TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel reaffirmed that full-service travel agencies are a structural and indispensable pillar of the corporate business model, guaranteeing personalized and highly qualified advice.
Best-Reisen operates as a sales cooperative under the exclusive ownership of independent agencies, grouping around 650 high-performing establishments managed by their owners and centralized through Best-RMG Reisen Management AG, based in Filderstadt.
Frank Winkler, formerly the travel agency cooperative's finance director, is now the sole CEO. New directors Constantin Barnow and Evan Talkas will report directly to him and lead the organization's two strategic pillars. Barnow will assume responsibility for purchasing, sales management, and community management on January 1, 2027. Talkas will be responsible for digital transformation, marketing, and customer experience starting October 15, 2026.
