While the French remain largely inclined toward advance bookings, last-minute departures are on the rise this summer.
TUI France indicates that bookings made in the 31 days preceding departure for the Clubs Lookéa and Marmara have increased by 20 % compared with summer 2025.
According to the tour operator, this trend reflects heightened traveler interest in last-minute offers, without undermining the habit of planning ahead. In total, 74 % of customers still reserve their holidays three to nine months before departure.
More precisely, 46 % book their reservation three to six months in advance, 25 % between six and nine months, while 3 % reserve more than nine months ahead of their stay. Conversely, 20 % book between one and three months before departure and 6 % only in the month preceding their vacation.
In a press release, Christophe Fuss, CEO of TUI France, states that “last-minute is gaining ground this year but it does not replace anticipation“, noting a growing demand for flexibility and good deals, especially for seaside destinations and club stays.
TUI France indicates that bookings made in the 31 days preceding departure for the Clubs Lookéa and Marmara have increased by 20 % compared with summer 2025.
According to the tour operator, this trend reflects heightened traveler interest in last-minute offers, without undermining the habit of planning ahead. In total, 74 % of customers still reserve their holidays three to nine months before departure.
More precisely, 46 % book their reservation three to six months in advance, 25 % between six and nine months, while 3 % reserve more than nine months ahead of their stay. Conversely, 20 % book between one and three months before departure and 6 % only in the month preceding their vacation.
In a press release, Christophe Fuss, CEO of TUI France, states that “last-minute is gaining ground this year but it does not replace anticipation“, noting a growing demand for flexibility and good deals, especially for seaside destinations and club stays.
A last-minute traveler who most often travels as a couple
According to data released by TUI France, last-minute travelers predominantly go with a companion. Couples account for 60 % of bookings, ahead of families at 35 %, while solo travelers constitute only 5 %.
Mediterranean destinations remain the most sought-after for this booking pattern. Greece tops the list, followed by Italy and Tunisia. Among the most requested properties are the Marmara Doreta Beach Club in Rhodes, the Marmara Sicilia in Sicily, and the Lookéa Playa Djerba Club in Tunisia.
On theNouvelles Frontières itineraries side, reservations made one month prior are also rising. Itineraries to Iceland, Canada, and Portugal feature among the most in demand. For the TUI Sélection range, the Balearics, Crete, and Morocco remain the favored destinations for last-minute vacationers.
Finally, despite the growth of online bookings, the physical distribution network remains important. According to TUI France, 22 % of last-minute travelers book through one of the more than 200 TUI Stores across France.
Mediterranean destinations remain the most sought-after for this booking pattern. Greece tops the list, followed by Italy and Tunisia. Among the most requested properties are the Marmara Doreta Beach Club in Rhodes, the Marmara Sicilia in Sicily, and the Lookéa Playa Djerba Club in Tunisia.
On theNouvelles Frontières itineraries side, reservations made one month prior are also rising. Itineraries to Iceland, Canada, and Portugal feature among the most in demand. For the TUI Sélection range, the Balearics, Crete, and Morocco remain the favored destinations for last-minute vacationers.
Finally, despite the growth of online bookings, the physical distribution network remains important. According to TUI France, 22 % of last-minute travelers book through one of the more than 200 TUI Stores across France.
Written by Amelia Brille TourMaG.com journalist See all articles by Amelia Brille
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