TUI Blue Expands with Eight New Hotels in Egypt and Europe - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

TUI Hotels & Resorts is accelerating the expansion of its TUI Blue brand with eight newly signed hotels across Egypt, Bulgaria, Croatia and Portugal. Five of the properties are located in Egypt, where the group is strengthening its partnership with JAZ, while three additional hotels will extend the brand's presence in European leisure destinations. The openings are scheduled between summer 2027 and summer 2029, combining existing properties with newly developed resorts.

Egypt accounts for the largest share of the latest expansion. The planned additions cover established Red Sea destinations including Hurghada, Sharm El Sheikh and Marsa Alam, reinforcing TUI Blue's position in a market that remains important for European holidaymakers. The first two Egyptian properties are expected to welcome guests in summer 2027, followed by further openings over the subsequent two years.

The European additions will introduce TUI Blue to Bulgaria's Varna region, expand its presence in Croatia and add another beachfront property in Madeira. Together, the eight signings reflect TUI Hotels & Resorts' strategy of developing its own hotel brands in destinations with established tourism infrastructure while linking accommodation more closely with local experiences and activities.

Five New Hotels Strengthen Egypt Portfolio

The Egyptian expansion is being developed in cooperation with JAZ, TUI Group's joint venture partner in the country. The partnership covers five properties across three major Red Sea destinations.

TUI Blue Vistamar and TUI Blue Makadi Oasis, both in the Hurghada area, are scheduled to open under the brand in summer 2027. A year later, TUI Blue Palace Sharm in Sharm El Sheikh and a newly built hotel in Hurghada are expected to join the portfolio. A further new-build property in Marsa Alam is planned for summer 2029.

The timing of the first openings coincides with an unusual tourism opportunity. A total solar eclipse is expected on 2 August 2027, with Egypt among the countries offering viewing opportunities. TUI is positioning its Egyptian holiday programme to benefit from interest in the astronomical event.

Through TUI Musement, guests will be able to book a dedicated eclipse excursion alongside more than 100 experiences offered across Hurghada, Luxor and Marsa Alam.

The wider excursion portfolio includes visits to the Grand Egyptian Museum and the pyramids of Giza, guided tours of Luxor's archaeological attractions and desert activities combining quad biking with a barbecue experience.

By integrating these activities with its hotel portfolio, TUI aims to offer travellers opportunities to explore Egypt beyond their resort accommodation.

Bulgaria, Croatia and Madeira Join Expansion

In Europe, the three newly signed hotels will all join the TUI Blue portfolio for the summer 2027 season.

TUI Blue Arabella will become the brand's first property in Bulgaria's Varna region. Following an extensive refurbishment, the hotel is scheduled to reopen with 294 rooms. Its location on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast adds another destination to TUI Blue's European beach holiday offering.

Croatia will gain a new property on the island of Brač. TUI Blue Diane is expected to begin operating with 120 rooms in summer 2027, with capacity planned to increase to 155 rooms in 2028.

The island's combination of coastal scenery, historic settlements and outdoor activities provides opportunities for travellers interested in exploring beyond the hotel. TUI Musement's regional programme includes national park excursions and wine tastings.

In Portugal, TUI Blue Calheta Beach will expand the brand's presence on Madeira. The 153-room beachfront property is scheduled to join the portfolio in summer 2027.

Madeira differs from many traditional Mediterranean summer destinations through its relatively mild year-round climate and emphasis on nature-based tourism. Activities available through TUI Musement include coastal walks and sunset hikes, complementing the island's established appeal for active holidays.

The Varna programme includes off-road excursions and visits to historic landmarks, allowing guests to combine beach holidays with cultural and outdoor experiences.

Further Openings Planned Across TUI Brands

The eight newly signed hotels form part of a broader development programme within TUI Hotels & Resorts.

TUI Blue has already announced three additional properties in Italy for summer 2027. TUI Blue Conchiglia in Calabria, TUI Blue Pardu in Sardinia and TUI Blue Aura Maris near Venice will strengthen the brand's presence in different Italian leisure regions.

Expansion is also continuing across other TUI hotel brands. Robinson Boa Vista in Cape Verde is scheduled to open in 2027, while further TUI Suneo properties are planned in Bulgaria and Türkiye.

The developments illustrate the group's approach to growing its hotel portfolio through several differentiated brands, each addressing particular customer preferences and holiday styles.

For TUI Blue, the emphasis remains on combining accommodation with experiences that reflect the character of individual destinations. Louise Bates, Managing Director of TUI Blue, said the new signings respond to demand for hotel stays that offer connections with local culture, activities and personal interests.

The strategy also creates opportunities for TUI Musement, whose excursions and destination experiences can be offered alongside accommodation within the wider TUI ecosystem.

With five additional hotels planned in Egypt and new properties across three European destinations, TUI Blue is extending its geographical reach while reinforcing its presence in established holiday markets.

The staggered openings through 2029 will allow the brand to increase capacity over several seasons, with the first additions arriving in time for summer 2027.

Image Credit: © TUI Group