US EditionTourism on Hold as Middle East War Casts Uncertainty
The conflict is expected to reduce Middle East tourist arrivals by 11%–27% in 2026, causing $34 billion to $56 billion in losses, according to Tourism Economics projections.
- Tourism Economics projected inbound arrivals could decline 14% in 2026, resulting in 23-38 million fewer visitors and $34bn-$56bn in losses in the Middle East.
- Following weekend escalation, retaliatory strikes and airspace closures prompted governments to advise against non-essential travel, worsening tourism turmoil in the US-Israel and Iran conflict.
- German tour operators Alltours, Dertour, and Schauinsland-Reisen announced they would cover extra nights for stranded clients and cancelled trips to the UAE and Oman until March 7, while ABTA offered rebooking or refunds amid flight disruptions.
- GCC countries will be worst hit due to reliance on safety perceptions and air links, with Tourism Economics projecting largest volume losses; Middle East airports handle around 14% of international transit, while Qatar and Bahrain see land arrivals at 32% and 74%.
- UN Tourism data shows the region hosted around 100 million visitors in 2025 after a strong rebound, and industry leaders expect demand to bounce back soon once stability returns.
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Visits to countries in the region, which generate around US$367 billion annually, are at risk.
InsideNoVA.com
Tourism on hold as Middle East war casts uncertainty
Cancelled flights, postponed trips and a great deal of uncertainty: the war in the Middle East is casting a long shadow over the tourism outlook for a region that has become a prized destination for travellers worldwide.
Middle East conflict threatens tourism with negative sentiment and losses of up to $56 billion
The closure of Middle East airspace due to US and Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation is significantly affecting the region’s travel and tourism sector. Over 5,000 flights were wiped from schedules within 48 hours of the first missile and drone attacks, leaving travellers marooned. Governments around the world have advised citizens in the region to register their presence and shelter-in-place. The duration and effect of the conflict …
Stranded travellers, airspace barriers, rockets to the Gulf States. The war in the Middle East is also noticeable at the world's largest tourism trade fair ITB in Berlin. The conflict in any case makes many travellers unsure at the moment. Nevertheless, the desire for travel remains high from the point of view of the industry.
Holidays in the Gulf States may be a thing of the past for the first time. A topic that overshadows the international tourism fair in Berlin.
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