The booking situation for 2023 is positive so far, but it is likely that “2023 will be much more difficult than 2022”. Everything depends on the economic situation and global uncertainty, which prevents more accurate forecasts. TUI Group CEO Sebastian Ebel scared travel agencies and tourists with such a forecast, speaking at the World Travel Market (WTM) exhibition
“The booking situation for the summer of 2023 is positive so far, but there are reasonable concerns about how the economy will develop,” he said. The first and noticeable “trend” is the shortening of the reservation period. In general, it is extremely difficult to make forecasts now, Mr. Ebel added.
“In the winter of 2022-2023, which is marked by the energy crisis in Europe, it is impossible to predict what trends will affect travel trends. At the same time, after the good summer of 2022, despite the energy crisis, there is also a steady improvement in winter bookings,” he said. At the same time, the general director of TUI emphasized the “positive” level of bookings and the upcoming summer season.
“The biggest concern is how the economy will develop in Europe. 2023 is expected to be much more challenging than 2022. Unlike in the past, reservations have become short-term, even shorter than during the pandemic. However, unlike in the past, the margin also recovered on short-term bookings,” the expert said.
Another predictable trend is that long-haul routes will mainly face the crisis, primarily due to the rising cost of aviation fuel. At the same time, it has a positive side: as Ebel explained, “it will benefit destinations close to Europe.”