TUI has announced a new price match guarantee for holidaymakers, promising to refund the difference if customers find the same package holiday cheaper elsewhere. The UK's biggest travel operator will match prices within 72 hours of booking, provided all details are identical.
TUI states on its website: "Once you've booked a holiday with us, we'll match the price of any other package holiday with TUI flights, as long as all the details align and you let us know within 72 hours of booking." However, strict conditions apply to claims. Everything from flights to accommodation must be exactly the same for the price match to be valid.
Market Challenges
The new service comes as TUI faces challenging market conditions. The company has seen a 10% decline in UK summer reservations as holidaymakers delay bookings and change destinations. TUI has absorbed significant losses from geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters. The Iran conflict cost the company around 40 million euros after it was forced to repatriate 5,000 passengers from cruise ships in Abu Dhabi. The travel giant also took an 18 million euro hit from hurricanes in Jamaica last October.
Despite these setbacks, TUI reported an improved underlying loss of 96 million euros for the first half, down from 135 million euros the previous year. Chief executive Sebastian Ebel remains confident about the company's prospects. He said: "We offer our customers a high level of security and quality, especially in turbulent times. Package holidays remain the gold standard."
