Tui, Europe’s largest travel operator, has observed a significant change in consumer behavior as travelers delay booking vacations until the final possible moment. According to the company, this trend is driven by a combination of high living costs and the uncertainty surrounding the conflict in the Middle East. Tui CEO Sebastian Ebel noted that while the desire to travel remains high, the timing of these decisions has become increasingly unpredictable.

The company disclosed that the conflict has resulted in a €60 million financial hit so far. In the immediate aftermath of the conflict's escalation in late February, Tui experienced a noticeable decline in demand for destinations such as Cyprus and Turkey. The company characterized the current environment as a "volatile market," suggesting that the travel industry is struggling to forecast demand patterns as consumers react to both financial strain and security concerns. While Tui maintains that travel remains a priority for many, the shift toward last-minute bookings complicates the company's ability to manage capacity and pricing effectively.