TUI Group, Europe’s leading tour operator, continues to demonstrate a solid recovery in the European market following recent challenges. Its influence on tourism in the south of Gran Canaria remains crucial, with projections pointing to full occupancy during the winter season of 2025 and the arrival of some 75.000 tourists in autumn alone. This constant flow of visitors is vital for the local economy, stimulating the hotel sector, trade and tourist services in the region.
TUI, before the bankruptcy of Thomas Cook (TC) in 2019, had a market share in the south of Gran Canaria of 55% and, after TC's exit from the market, FTI Touristik or the airline Monarch, which was with Easyjet who bought the British market slots for Gran Canaria, have gone bankrupt. The share in 2024 is therefore expected to be much higher than that 55% of 2019. Currently, there is no specific public data available on Jet2holidays' business figures in Gran Canaria for 2024. However, the company continues to offer a wide variety of holiday packages on the island, including all-inclusive options and luxury breaks. Jet2holidays has expanded its offer for the 2025/2026 seasons, reflecting its commitment and confidence in the tourism market in the south of Gran Canaria.
TUI remains increasingly optimistic about the south of Gran Canaria, anticipating an increase in bookings and prices for 2025, while opening up markets in Greece and Turkey in winter. TUI has also already begun marketing holidays for 2026 in Maspalomas, underlining its confidence in the sustained demand and tourist appeal of the destination. These strategies reinforce the importance of Gran Canaria within its portfolio, consolidating it as a key place on the European tourism map.
TUI has also strengthened its operations in the UK market, increasing flight frequencies from Cardiff to Gran Canaria from December 2025. These expansions aim to attract a greater volume of tourists to the archipelago, consolidating the south of Gran Canaria as a preferred destination. Despite the expected increase in hotel rates, the operator does not anticipate a decline in tourist arrivals, reflecting the resilience and popularity of the region.
In the financial year ending 30 September 2024, TUI reported revenues of €23.200 billion, up 12% on the previous year, and pre-tax profits of €1.300 billion, up 33%. This growth is supported by sustained demand for package holidays, with destinations such as the Canary Islands, Greece and Turkey leading the way. Spain has been a standout market for the company, recording a 30% increase in sales during 2024. Finally, TUI's collaboration with the Canary Islands authorities has been essential to revitalise tourism in the region. This joint work has allowed the islands to strengthen their position as a favourite destination for European travellers and to diversify the tourist offer in the south of Gran Canaria, guaranteeing both the competitiveness and the sustainability of the sector in the long term.
