The European tourism industry, with a focus on the major tour operators operating in southern Gran Canaria, is breathing a tense calm amid the kerosene crisis stemming from the Gulf conflict. Sebastian Ebel, CEO of the TUI Group, has addressed rumors of a rift within the sector, asserting that there is no division between airlines and travel providers. Despite initial warnings issued by the German Aviation Association (BDL) about a potential fuel shortage, the head of the tourism giant guarantees that connectivity for summer holidays in key destinations like the Canary Islands is not at risk.
TUI's stance supports the airlines' demands to suspend kerosene taxes, but it stands firm against the logistics lobby that seeks to prioritize freight transport over passenger flights. Ebel emphasizes the role of tourism as a fundamental economic driver in Europe, rejecting the idea that the "well-deserved holidays" of millions of citizens should be sacrificed in favor of industrial supply chains. For hoteliers and business owners in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán, this defense of leisure over cargo is the necessary guarantee to maintain the record occupancy rates the island has seen at the start of 2026.
TUI's optimism is based on the conclusions of the German National Security Council, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, which, after monitoring tensions with Iran, has determined that fuel reserves are sufficient for the foreseeable future. The German government's strategy involves transforming the supply working group into a committee of state secretaries to safeguard the flow of diesel, gasoline, and aviation fuel. For southern Gran Canaria, whose economy depends almost entirely on the stability of European airspace, this message of supply security is vital to avoid a last-minute drop in reserves.
However, the real threat to the sector doesn't appear to be a lack of capacity, but rather the rising cost of operations. The European Commission, through Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas, has warned that, although the market is managing kerosene volume well, soaring prices are already forcing some airlines to cancel unprofitable routes. In this context, Ebel has hardened his stance against "excessive regulation" and air traffic taxes, demanding a significant reduction in location costs to prevent rising fuel prices from driving consumers out of the market.
