Holiday 2025/26: These destinations are now Austrians’ favorites!

Holiday 2025/26: These destinations are now Austrians’ favorites!

Today in Vienna there is exciting news from the world of tourism: TUI Austria has started the 2025/26 winter season with a tailwind and is tempting with a promising offer. The desire to travel seems unbroken, despite the economic and geopolitical uncertainties that make many people shiver. The presentation of the winter program in the federal capital shows that demand remains strong across all age groups.

Long-distance travel is particularly in demand, with classic destinations such as the Canary Islands and Egypt still being very popular. This year, however, a new trend is emerging: Asia is becoming the winter favorite, and Thailand particularly stands out. Daily direct flights from Vienna to Bangkok are enthusiastically used by travelers, and the opening of new hotels, such as the TUI Blue Maduzi in Bangkok and the Riu Palace Phuket, which opens its doors in April 2026, promises an attractive choice. Prospective holidaymakers who are heading further afield can also look forward to increased interest in the Maldives and Mauritius.

Popular travel destinations and trends

Dubai also scores points with short flight times and a wide range of experiences, while the Canary Islands, led by Tenerife, are considered the favorites on the medium-haul route. Cape Verde continues to enjoy growing popularity and takes third place. Egypt, with 74 weekly flights between holiday resorts and new Red Sea resorts, is back in the conversation. Cyprus is experiencing a real boom with a 60% increase in guests.

But the winter sports community is not forgotten in Austria itself. A new ROBINSON Club in Fieberbrunn, located directly on the slopes, is becoming an attraction, while extraordinary accommodations such as treehouse suites and boutique hotels are increasingly coming into the spotlight. With new solo weeks for solo travelers, TUI is bringing a breath of fresh air to its travel offering and thus addressing the needs of a very specific audience. In addition, the introduction of the new TUI Tours platform for tours is seen as a step in the right direction.

Market analysis and booking trends

Bookings for the 2025/26 winter holiday have already started in Germany. TUI Germany has approved flights from major airports such as Stuttgart, Munich and Frankfurt. Over 300 weekly connections to numerous holiday destinations offer travelers a diverse choice, which includes not only the Canary Islands but also Italy, Greece and even New York. Early bookers can already benefit from attractive package holidays and hotel offers.

But while the industry is booming, there are also challenges: high price increases could slow demand, reports Markus Heller from Fried & Partner. A decline in bookings for a second trip in the year can be observed. The question therefore arises as to how vacation trips can remain affordable for the general population in the future. Digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence in booking processes are becoming key topics that could shape the industry. Medium-sized travel agencies are faced with the challenge of asserting themselves against large platforms and finding innovative solutions.

In summary, the tourism industry is characterized by both promising trends and some uncertainties in the run-up to 2025. The anticipation of new holiday experiences can hardly be overlooked, even as the market continues to move. Competition and social expectations will play a big role in how the travel market develops. An exciting year is ahead!