The outlook and projections of the two German tourism giants, TUI and DERTOUR, have brought a sense of calm to the hotel sector in southern Gran Canaria. The excellent financial results of the world leader (TUI) and the ambitious forecasts of its direct competitor (DERTOUR) confirm that the German desire for holidays, especially the search for the winter sun that Maspalomas guarantees, remains unwavering.
The world's largest tourism group, TUI, not only boasts a solid stock market performance (with recent gains of 12%), but has also closed a successful 2024/25 fiscal year. The company exceeded market expectations with a 12,6% increase in adjusted EBIT (to €1.460 billion), a financial strength that supports long-term investment in its key destinations.
Simultaneously, DERTOUR has established itself as the leading barometer of the German market, with figures that translate directly into occupancy and profitability for accommodation in Maspalomas. Following an almost 40% increase in the number of guests last winter season, bookings for the current season remain stable with a 1% growth, already at a very high level.
As Boris Raoul, Managing Director of DERTOUR Germany and Austria, explained remotely from Germany on Tuesday, "The fact that we are maintaining last year's high booking levels this winter season underscores once again the trend of investing in travel and experiences. Winter breaks in the sun continue to be in high demand." For the hospitality sector in the south of the island, this translates into the assurance of tourist arrivals during the traditionally peak months.
Looking ahead, confidence is even stronger: DERTOUR forecasts an increase in clients of around 18% for the summer of 2026, ambitious growth that directly benefits established destinations like Gran Canaria, known for their value for money. This stability is further reinforced by the behavior of German travelers, who prioritize planning and safety. The average advance booking period for summer holidays is already 135 days before departure, a trend being encouraged by tour operators with early booking discounts of up to 50%.
For capital and investors in Maspalomas, this trend is a goldmine: it allows for greater predictability of occupancy and minimizes dependence on last-minute bookings. The ambition of the operators, with TUI exceeding its expectations and DERTOUR adding 1.500 new hotels to its portfolio by summer 2026, reinforces Boris Raoul's message: "Germans' enthusiasm for travel seems unwavering." The financial health and expansion of these two German tourism giants not only guarantee the flow of visitors to southern Gran Canaria, but also ensure that Maspalomas will remain a top priority destination for those seeking sun, quality, and safety in their long-term planning.
