Latest news with #ChrisLogan
Daily Mirror
26-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
TUI's newest flight route from UK takes Brits to beautiful country 3-hours away
TUI has unveiled a brand new flight route, whizzing Brits over to a stunning country filled with intricate architecture, vibrant shopping scene and a rich history - and it's just 3 hours from the UK A tiny UK airport is slated for a huge boost after securing an exclusive new route with TUI. The travel firm has announced it will debut direct flights from Newcastle Airport to Sofia, the capital of Bulgaria, later this year - just in time for the ski season. The service will operate once a week on Saturdays, with the first flight scheduled to depart on Saturday, December 20. TUI says the new route, which will complement the existing London Gatwick, Dublin, Manchester and Birmingham services, will help connect the north-east to Bulgaria's winter sports resorts - such as Bansko, Pamporovo and Borovets. The new flights are available on a flight-only basis, as well as part of Crystal Ski Holidays packages. Sofia is a great budget-friendly destination for ski enthusiasts who don't want to break the bank by visiting the ultra-expensive Alps. The city is surrounded by soaring mountains that you can hike in the summer - or race down in the winter in your salopettes. If you're looking for a more laid-back holiday, don't worry. Sofia is filled with stunning architecture, a ubiquitous history, and plenty of cheap bars. History buffs will love St Alexander Nevski Cathedral, a Neo-Byzantine landmark renowned for its gold and green dome. The church was built as a memorial to the 200,000 Russian soldiers who died in the Russo-Turkish Liberation War and boasts an intricately beautiful interior. Vitosha Boulevard is great for those wanting to admire the rugged mountains from afar. The pristine strip is filled with a 'rich array' of shops, eateries, and cafes and perfectly encapsulates the 'spirit of the city'. Day trips to Rila Monastery - the largest and most famous Eastern Orthodox monastery in Bulgaria - and the nearby Rila Lakes are also popular. In a statement sent to the Mirror, TUI's Chris Logan said the firm was 'excited' to introduce the new route following 'strong customer demand'. "The Bulgarian ski resorts have always been a popular choice with Crystal customers, and we're pleased to make the destination even more accessible for travellers from Newcastle and the North of England," he added. "Boasting high quality hotels, excellent value for money, highly rated ski schools and lively nightlife, Bankso, Pamporovo and Borovets are brilliant ski resorts all easily reached from Sofia Airport with transfers included with Crystal Ski Holidays." Leon McQuaid of Newcastle Airport also welcomed the news, praising TU for 'continuing to invest' in the hub. "This exciting new destination gives our passengers even more choice to explore some of Europe's best-value ski resorts and it's another great addition to our growing winter schedule," he added. "We look forward to celebrating with TUI Airways when the new route takes off in December." TUI is currently offering return flights to Sofa from Newcastle for just £293, which includes 15kg of checked-in luggage and 10kg of hand luggage per person. *Prices based on passengers departing on January 10, 2026 and returning on January 17, 2026.
Daily Mirror
18-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Brits ditch Spain and Portugal for scorching countries with cheaper breaks
Experts say many people are being drawn to the North African region by its wide availability of high-quality hotels costing considerably less than similar properties in locations such as Spain, France and Italy A surge in UK holidaymakers are swapping traditional European destinations for North Africa, according to travel firms. Experts suggest the region's appeal lies in its abundance of high-quality hotels that are significantly cheaper than similar properties in Spain, France and Italy. Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are all seeing an influx of visitors from the UK. Data from aviation analysts Cirium reveals that 19,847 flights are expected to serve routes from UK airports to these countries this year, more than double the 8,653 flights in 2019. In contrast, the number of flights to Spain and Portugal is predicted to rise by 10% and 9% respectively over the same period. This indicates that many holidaymakers seeking better quality accommodation without paying more are willing to endure a longer flight, despite airlines like easyJet and Ryanair offering non-reclining seats and no onboard entertainment. Flights from Gatwick airport in West Sussex to Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh take approximately five hours and 20 minutes. This means an additional hour and 45 minutes on a plane compared to trips to the traditional southern Spanish hotspot of Alicante. EasyJet commenced flights between Gatwick and Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, in March, marking its longest route serving England. These flights cover the distance of 2,332 nautical miles in six hours and 10 minutes. Tui, the travel company, has reported a 30% increase in bookings for summer holidays in Egypt compared to last year, from both flight-only and package holiday customers. The firm also noted "double-digit growth" for Tunisia and a strong demand for Morocco. Chris Logan, Tui's UK commercial director, stated that these three destinations offer "fantastic value for money", making it difficult for traditional European destinations to compete. Speaking to the PA news agency, he said: "There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. "Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making them a perfect choice for year-round travel." To meet the growing demand, Tui has increased its flights from the UK to North Africa this summer, introducing new routes from Stansted to Enfidha in Tunisia and from Newcastle to Agadir, Morocco. the online accommodation marketplace, reported a 68% increase in searches for summer breaks in Tunisia during the first five months of this year, compared with the same period in 2024. Egypt and Morocco saw increases of 64% and 39% respectively. Nicki Tempest-Mitchell, managing director at Barrhead Travel, commented that Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia offer "incredible value for money" which is "proving increasingly attractive for holidaymakers this year". She added: "The investment in high-quality hotels and experiences across these regions is turning the heads of customers who may previously have favoured mainland Europe." According to Julia Lo Bue-Said, chief executive of Advantage Travel Partnership, "Although favourites such as Spain and Turkey are still our top-selling destinations, it's safe to say north Africa is a region to watch over the next few years." She observed a "clear trend toward value-conscious holiday planning", attributing this to the ongoing cost of living pressures and reduced disposable incomes. Lo Bue-Said noted: "This shift has driven growing popularity for destinations like Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia, which offer more competitive pricing and high-quality accommodation options compared to the more traditional western Mediterranean resorts."
Scottish Sun
17-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Spectacular' beach less than an hour from Glasgow named among best in UK
Elsewhere, TUI has announced two exciting new destinations from Scotland PICTURE PERFECT 'Spectacular' beach less than an hour from Glasgow named among best in UK Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A 'SPECTACULAR' beach less than an hour from Glasgow has been ranked among the best in the UK. The seaside spot was named alongside other locations, including Tynemouth Beach in England and Llantwit Major Beach in Wales. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Tourists and locals take advantage of the warm weather at Troon Beach Credit: Alamy Introducing the chart, The Telegraph said: "Whether you favour a traditional, bucket-and-spades affair, or prefer somewhere more peaceful, the coastline is the place to be on a sunny day. "And while some of the more remote spots require a car to reach them, many of our most spectacular beaches are perfectly accessible by train." Troon made the list in Scotland and is a short 45 minute train ride away, The Times, which compiled the list, added: "Close to cafes, shops and restaurants, Troon's popular beach is ideal for a summer day out. "A day on the esplanade might include a game of hide-and-seek in the Italianate garden, or a scramble over the climbing frame in the well-equipped playground. "Throughout the summer months, kite-surfers make it their regular spot. And the two-hour, two-mile treasure trail is a pleasing diversion regardless of the weather." Elsewhere, TUI has announced two new city getaways departing from Edinburgh Airport. The carrier is launching trips to Warsaw and Riga as part of its growing city breaks programme. With packages now available to book, these destinations are ideal for any last-minute summer escapes. Warsaw in Poland is one of Europe's most dynamic capitals, boasting Varso Tower - Europe's tallest building with a brand-new observation deck. English seaside town to transform abandoned beach shelters into new attraction While Riga in Latvia is famed for its amazing architecture and stunning artwork. Chris Logan, Commercial Director of TUI UK & I said: 'The demand for TUI City breaks has never been stronger, with 61 per cent growth year on year reflecting a real urban experience desire from travellers. "Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering a distinctive blend of history, cuisine and arts. "Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike."
Daily Mirror
17-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
Brits start 'snubbing' anti-tourist Spain for sizzling 38C hotspot
Amid escalating anti-tourist sentiment, it appears droves of British holidaymakers are ditching Spain for a stunning rival destination that reaches a whopping 38C in the summer months Brits are reportedly falling out of love with Spain, as travel firms report a huge boom in summer holidays to a stunning rival destination. Over recent years, anti-tourist sentiment has spread like wildfire across Spain and its cluster of Instagram-worthy islands. Fed-up locals, who argue the sheer influx of holidaymakers is pricing them out of the property market, have taken to the streets en masse in a series of confrontational protests. Armed with banners demanding Brits 'go home', some activists have even encouraged the use of water pistols to make it clear that tourists are not welcome. This, combined with graffiti starkly declaring it's ' tourist hunting season ' has soured Brits' penchant for the constantly sunny country. However, it appears Egypt is reaping the benefits of Spain's escalating anti-tourist cries. According to the Independent, travel firm TUI recently revealed that bookings from flight-only and package holiday customers for summer breaks in the country are a whopping 30 per cent higher compared to last year. Similarly, reported a 64 per cent surge in the number of searches for summer breaks in Egypt during the first five months of this year, compared to the same period in 2024. Chris Logan, of TUI UK, hailed Egypt for its 'fantastic value for money', adding: "There's good quality accommodation and great weather beyond the traditional summer season. Even in the winter months temperatures are mild, making [Egypt] a perfect choice for year-round travel." Hotspots like Sharm El Sheikh are a great alternative to Spain, and reach a whopping 38C in the summer months. Situated on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheikh is famous for its 35km of pristine coastline, where 'apricot-coloured sand slowly sinks in the bath-warm waters of the Red Sea'. With more than 250 coral reefs, and a range of wildlife including sea turtles and sting rays, it is a huge hotspot for divers and nature lovers alike. "This region of Egypt stocks everything from dune-filled deserts to towering mountain ranges that peak at well over 2,000 metres tall – perfect for 4x4 safari fan," TUI said. "The city itself, meanwhile, boasts a coastal plot, meaning that soft belts of sand and paddle-friendly waters are at your fingertips. And, if shopping's on your to-do list, the lively centre lines up heaps of top-brand boutiques and bustling bazaars." You can fly directly to Sharm El Sheikh from a slew of major UK airports, including Glasgow, Manchester, Birmingham, Newcastle, and Liverpool. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab return fares for as little as £362 in July. Flights, which take on average five hours and 15 minutes, are much cheaper in the winter months - when temperatures still hover around 24C. In January 2026, you can get return flights for a bargain £133. Sharm El Sheikh is known for its huge all-inclusive resorts that are ideal for fly-and-flop holidaymakers - but can be pretty expensive. For example, a week's stay (Monday, July 21-28) at the five-star Cleopatra Luxury Resort will set you back £1,103. This is based on two people sharing a Superior Room with Pool View, and includes all of your meals and drinks. "Private beach and a diving centre await guests at this 5-star hotel," states. "The resort also boasts a large infinity pool, along with 10 food and beverage venues. The elegantly decorated rooms at Cleopatra Luxury Resort come with flat-screen TVs and satellite channels. Each air-conditioned room features a minibar." However, if you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, check out Delta Sharm Resort. This complex is offering a no-thrills, one-bedroom apartment for just £133 on the exact same dates. *Prices based on Skyscanner and listings at the time of writing.
Scottish Sun
16-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Major airline adds two new exciting city breaks flying from Edinburgh this summer
Read on to find out about some of the exciting activities FLY AWAY Major airline adds two new exciting city breaks flying from Edinburgh this summer Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TUI has announced two new city getaways departing from Edinburgh Airport. The carrier is launching trips to Warsaw and Riga as part of its growing city breaks programme. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Riga, Latvia skyline at night Credit: Tetra images RF - Getty 4 Castle Square in Warsaw, Poland Credit: Getty - Contributor 4 TUI has launched two new city breaks flying from Edinburgh this summer Credit: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Gett With packages now available to book, these destinations are ideal for any last-minute summer escapes. Warsaw in Poland is one of Europe's most dynamic capitals, boasting Varso Tower - Europe's tallest building with a brand-new observation deck. While Riga in Latvia is famed for its amazing architecture and stunning artwork. Chris Logan, Commercial Director of TUI UK & I said: 'The demand for TUI City breaks has never been stronger, with 61 per cent growth year on year reflecting a real urban experience desire from travellers. "Riga and Warsaw are perfect additions to our expanding portfolio, offering a distinctive blend of history, cuisine and arts. "Both cities have been climbing travellers' wish lists, with each offering unique attractions for foodies, culture enthusiasts and history buffs alike. "With our TUI Cities collection now exceeding 50 destinations, we're excited to continue this momentum into 2025 with even more inspiring locations to come.' Tourists can participate in activities including dumpling making in Warsaw and a scavenger hunt in Riga. Customers can book the city break programme on TUI's website. Elsewhere, a major European airport is currently undergoing construction of a new terminal. Shocking moment a drunken passenger was arrested after 'punching two cabin crew members' The bustling hub will officially open the new £3.6 billion building in 2026, with details already emerging of what travellers can expect. Construction of the ambitious project first began in 2015 with some areas already complete and ready to welcome the public. The new terminal will feature modern amenities, such as a 6,000-square-metre marketplace, luxury retail spaces, and a variety of dining options. It will also include a new Sky Line people mover system connecting passengers to the airport's existing terminals in just eight minutes.
