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Germany’s travel landscape for summer 2026 is shifting fast, with tourism giant TUI reporting that Greece has overtaken Spain to become the country’s top early-booking destination. Türkiye, meanwhile, has secured a strong third place — and Antalya stands out as the single most-booked destination among German holidaymakers.
According to a statement from TUI, early reservations for summer 2026 show Greece slightly surpassing Spain, traditionally the firm’s strongest market. Demand is particularly strong for Greece’s major islands such as Crete and Rhodes, with TUI Germany Managing Director Benjamin Jacobi noting a “notable increase” in interest for smaller islands like Korfu and Sisam as well.
The trend signals a shift in German travelers’ priorities, with more visitors leaning toward destinations known for natural landscapes, relaxed atmospheres, and Mediterranean heritage.
While Greece takes the top spot, Türkiye maintains its position as the third most-preferred country for German tourists in early bookings. Yet on a city-by-city basis, Antalya ranks first among all individual global destinations chosen by German travelers.
Recent data from the German Federal Statistical Office show that 7.7 million travelers from Germany flew to Türkiye in summer 2025, compared with 10.5 million who visited Spain. Yunanistan — which received 4.5 million visitors from Germany last summer — is now experiencing a rise in early demand, especially for its iconic Aegean islands.
TUI also highlights a growing interest in “far-flung destinations,” especially in Asia and Africa. The East African island nation of Mauritius and the United Arab Emirates are among the fastest-rising choices for German travelers.
Official figures from the German Federal Statistical Office underline this trend: Egypt attracted around 1.4 million Germans in summer 2025, making it the second most popular non-European destination after the United States. TUI notes that Egypt is experiencing a 30% year-on-year surge in early bookings.
Overall, the latest reservation data suggest a highly competitive race among major Mediterranean destinations for summer 2026.
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