TUI Expansion Grows in Sub-Saharan Africa with New Holiday Destinations


TUI GROUP EXPANSION ACCELERATES IN SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA, FOCUSING ON SUSTAINABLE AND PROFITABLE GROWTH. NEW DEVELOPMENTS INCLUDE HOTEL OPENINGS AND SOCIAL INITIATIVES.
TUI Group is strengthening its global presence and accelerating growth in sub-Saharan Africa. After visiting Zanzibar and Kenya and launching the new TUI brand, The Mora, in Zanzibar, CEO Sebastian Ebel emphasized Africa’s potential. He highlighted its cultural, scenic, and economic advantages. Ebel noted the young, dynamic society, which is ideal for the service industry.
TUI is already present on Africa’s west coast in Cape Verde and Senegal, and in the north with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia. Now, they are creating a new cluster on the east coast along the Indian Ocean. TUI’s holistic approach integrates environmental, social, and economic sustainability in developing new destinations.
TUI Expansion: New Developments and Future Plans
Ebel sees potential for the Robinson Club brand and TUI Blue. He announced two more Robinson Clubs in Africa: one in Zanzibar and another on Cape Verde’s Boa Vista island. Architects and designers are already working on these projects, with construction set to begin soon.
TUI is one of the leading international leisure hotel companies, with around 420 hotels and resorts. This segment of the group is growing continuously and remains highly profitable. Despite this, the hotel business sometimes seems overshadowed by the tour operators within the group. Ebel emphasized that their tour operators provide access to global sales markets and customers. The hotels and cruise companies focus on creating unique customer experiences at holiday destinations.
Sustainable Development in Africa
When developing new destinations, TUI’s integrated business model brings together leading tour operators, hotels, cruises, and local activities. This holistic approach enables the development of new tourism destinations in an economically, ecologically, and socially sustainable way. TUI prioritizes producing renewable green energy and protecting natural resources.
Social issues are also part of TUI’s expansion strategy. This includes providing housing for the growing population and strengthening local participation through the use of local products and services. The TUI Care Foundation, supported by the group, has been active in sub-Saharan Africa for years. In Zanzibar, the foundation provides training programs for disadvantaged people, especially young women. It also supports young creatives and local small businesses.
Future Projects
TUI is creating a new destination cluster in Zanzibar with its own hotel brands, expanded flight offerings, and new experiences for tourists. The Mora Zanzibar, their fourth hotel on the island, opened last week. This new luxury brand joins the existing portfolio of RIU and TUI Blue hotels. Further projects on the archipelago are in preparation, including a new Robinson Club.
TUI’s approach in Zanzibar mirrors its success in Cape Verde, where it developed a popular year-round destination on the islands of Sal and Boa Vista. The group plans to replicate this success in Zanzibar and other parts of East Africa.
Strengthening Global Presence
Peter Krüger, Member of the Executive Board and CEO of Holiday Experiences, stated that TUI will continue its expansion as a leading position in the international leisure hotel industry. With their integrated business model, TUI is the preferred development partner for many destinations. They plan to strengthen their presence in Africa with their 12 hotel brands, including Robinson, TUI Blue, and RIU. This will help TUI reach new guests globally.
TUI’s hotel portfolio is also expanding in other sub-Saharan African countries. New hotel openings are planned in Senegal and The Gambia. The successful hotel business in Cape Verde will also grow beyond Sal and Boa Vista in the coming years. This expansion will strengthen TUI’s West Africa cluster. Additionally, Kenya is on TUI’s growth list in East Africa alongside Zanzibar.
Sebastian Ebel concluded that TUI’s strategy focuses on profitable growth by tapping into new customer segments and developing new destinations. He emphasized the enormous tourism potential in sub-Saharan Africa’s countries with unique natural treasures and cultural wealth.