TUI Policy Lounge highlights travel trends and regulatory challenges in Europe

International

Industry leaders call for aligned policies to support a resilient tourism sector

Travel trends, shifting customer expectations and regulatory pressures were at the centre of discussions at the latest Policy Lounge hosted by TUI Group in Brussels. The event brought together more than 30 representatives from European institutions and the travel sector for an exchange with Arjan Kers, Managing Director of TUI in Belgium and the Netherlands and President of the Dutch travel association ANVR.

Package travel remains a key pillar

Drawing on more than three decades of experience, Kers emphasised that despite economic volatility, the demand for travel remains strong. Tourism continues to follow cyclical patterns, but the fundamental desire to travel has not diminished.

He highlighted the ongoing relevance of package holidays, particularly in times of uncertainty. “Package holidays may sound old-fashioned, but in crisis situations it is the most secure option for customers,” he said. “When something happens, it is the tour operator’s responsibility to bring people home – and that makes a real difference.”

Crisis management and operational strength

Recent disruptions once again underscored the importance of coordination within the travel sector. In March alone, TUI supported the repatriation of around 10,000 customers following disruptions in the Middle East and other regions. The company organised special flights through its own airline as well as partner carriers within a short timeframe.

Kers stressed the importance of collaboration: “In a crisis, coordination between governments, operators and local authorities is essential – this is the only way to bring people home quickly. TUI has a dedicated crisis team that stands ready 24/7 for any eventualities, and the priority is always clear: the safety of our customers comes first.”

These operations illustrate the scale and organisational capacity required to respond effectively to global disruptions.

Growing demand and changing priorities

Despite ongoing challenges, demand for travel continues to recover strongly and is expected to grow further. Younger generations in particular are placing greater emphasis on experiences and work-life balance, contributing to sustained momentum in the sector.

Call for regulatory alignment in Europe

A central topic of the discussion was the competitiveness of the European travel sector. Kers warned against fragmented regulation across EU member states, describing a “patchwork of rules” that complicates operations and weakens competitiveness on a global scale.

He pointed to differing national tax policies as a key issue. High departure taxes in certain countries, such as the Netherlands, encourage travellers to depart from neighbouring airports in Belgium or Germany, distorting market dynamics without delivering environmental benefits.

“We don’t need to compete between European countries – we need more alignment if we want a strong tourism sector,” Kers said.

Clear message to policymakers

The discussion concluded with a call for more coherent and proportionate regulation. Policymakers were urged to recognise tourism’s economic and social value and to ensure a level playing field across Europe.

Package travel, the participants agreed, remains a cornerstone of the industry, offering security and reliability for customers. Maintaining its competitiveness will be essential to support a sustainable and resilient travel sector in the years ahead.