Tourexpi
Sebastian
Ebel, CEO TUI Group: 'Elie Bruyninckx was the main architect of TUI in the
Western Region. Today, we are strongly positioned in the Netherlands and
Belgium with our tour operators and airline business. In France, too, we are
now reporting good figures after many difficult years. I would like to
personally thank Elie for his tireless commitment to the growth of TUI and the
development of its employees. His strategic insights and his personal
contribution to the success of the Belgian, Dutch and French business can
hardly be overestimated. We wish him all the best in all his future endeavours,
both professional and personal.’
Elie
Bruyninckx’ career with TUI Group began in September 2000 when he joined the
Belgian tour operator Jetair. In May 2003, he launched the hybrid tour operator
model, combining package holidays with seat-only sales. Later that year, he
became the founding Chairman of the Belgian airline Jetairfly. Since 2015, Elie
Bruyninckx has been a member of the Group Executive Committee and CEO Western
Region with responsibility for the Dutch, Belgian and French markets.
During
his time at TUI, Elie Bruyninckx played a decisive role in shaping and
developing the tour operator and airline businesses in the three markets
mentioned. Under his leadership, the TUI companies in the Netherlands and
Belgium moved closer together and are now largely clustered under one
leadership. Together with his strong teams, Elie Bruyninckx was able to exploit
synergies and drive growth and innovation in the Western Region. The Belgian
and Dutch markets, in particular, are at the forefront of the IT platforms of
the future. With fundamental restructuring processes, Elie Bruyninckx also
succeeded in reorganising TUI's business in France, including the sale of the
Corsair activities. After several difficult years, TUI France is now performing
well again.
With
his departure, the markets of the Western Region will become the direct
responsibility of David Schelp, CEO TUI Markets & Airline. Arjan Kers,
Managing Director TUI BeNe, and Christophe Fuss, Managing Director TUI
France, will report to him.
Elie
Bruyninckx will leave TUI on 1 October, and will of course remain at TUI's
disposal until then to concentrate fully on ensuring a smooth transfer of his
responsibilities and knowledge.
As
a next step in his rich career, Elie Bruyninckx will focus on launching and
supporting new business initiatives, an activity in which he is passionate and
where he can develop his creative entrepreneurial ideas.
Image
Credit: © TUI Group
The most interesting news


Italy set to break tourism records as Rome prepares to host WTTC’s 25th Global Summit
International visitor spending to exceed €60 billion as global tourism leaders head to the Eternal City.


Major Boost for Tourism: Construction Begins on the Antalya–Alanya Highway
Turkey’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, has announced that construction of the new Antalya–Alanya highway will officially commence on 25 July.


TUI Care Foundation launches two new TUI Futureshapers projects in Portugal and North Africa
TUI Futureshapers Portugal offers training, mentorship, and expert support to help social entrepreneurs build sustainable tourism businesses with impact.


Historic Ju 52 on its Way to the Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center
The historic Junkers Ju 52, affectionately known as "Aunt Ju," is leaving Paderborn-Lippstadt to become a permanent exhibit at the new Lufthansa Group Conference and Visitor Center.


AI-supported ground processes: Lufthansa, Fraport, and zeroG drive innovation at Frankfurt Airport
Camera-based computer vision solution “seer” improves punctuality — ground operations become more efficient — customer experience enhanced.


Marriott International Completes Acquisition of citizenM Brand
Transaction Expands Company's Global Lifestyle Offerings.


Ryanair urges government to abolish air travel tax in 2026 budget
Air travel tax must be scrapped if Germany wants to return to pre-COVID traffic and tourism levels


There's Never Been a Better Time to Visit Hyatt Regency Danang
Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025 winner unveils elevated dining experiences and unparalleled family accommodations.


TAT Launches Coral College Project to Promote Safe and Sustainable Marine Tourism
New bilingual e-learning platform aims to protect marine ecosystems and raise tourist awareness.


Turkish Airlines signs deal with Dubai Islamic Bank for Airbus A350 acquisitions
Turkish Airlines has signed a landmark financing agreement with Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) to fund the purchase of Airbus A350 aircraft, marking a significant step in its financial and strategic growth.


Thailand–Cambodia conflict escalates with new airstrikes despite ceasefire calls
The ongoing border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia has entered its third day, marked by renewed airstrikes and rising casualties, despite mounting international calls for an immediate ceasefire.


Peru’s tourism sector on track for historic record in 2025
According to the latest estimates by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), Peru’s tourism sector is expected to reach an all-time high in 2025, generating over USD 23 billion and contributing 7.8% to the country’s GDP.


Condor announces expanded summer 2026 flight schedule with new destinations
Condor has released its flight schedule for summer 2026, unveiling an expanded network of popular holiday destinations and increased service frequencies on high-demand long-haul routes.


Holland America Line launches new era of onboard entertainment
Holland America Line is introducing a refreshed entertainment experience across its fleet, with changes rolling out now through 2026.


TAT showcases Blue Jasmine luxury rail journey ahead of November launch
The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has completed a technical familiarisation trip to preview the upcoming Blue Jasmine Luxury Rail Journey, set to begin its maiden voyage this November.


Agoda Ranks Asia's Most Affordable Summer Destinations for Hoteliers to Manage Yields from Deals
Surabaya leads the list of top-value destinations across Asia, with average room rates at just $35 per night, according to digital travel platform Agoda.


Fresh Highlights from Eurowings – 25 July 2025
Eurowings Ranked Among Europe’s Top Airlines.


IHG Hotels & Resorts Announces First voco Resort in Oman with the Signing of voco Al Mouj Muscat
IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of a management agreement with Golden Group Holding for voco Al Mouj Muscat, a 251-room beachfront resort set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025.


Malaysia launches MYMT 2026: a new era in medical tourism
The Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC) has officially launched the Malaysia Year of Medical Tourism 2026 (MYMT 2026) at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC).


Condor launches inaugural flight to Sanya
Condor has added a new destination in the Asia-Pacific region with the launch of its first flight to Sanya, located on China’s Hainan Island.


Thailand Leads Push to Strengthen Two-Way Travel Between India and ASEAN
As part of the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted the ASEAN-India Forum from 22–25 July in Bangkok.
