The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been ongoing for almost a year, causing concern about travel in the region. However, tourism performance varies greatly across different areas, with some places like Dubai still thriving while war-affected areas are struggling. In Israel, there has been a significant decline in tourist numbers, with only 500,000 visitors in the first half of the year compared to two million the previous year. This has led to a crisis in the hotel industry, with around 10% of hotels facing financial collapse due to low occupancy rates.
In Egypt, despite the U.S. Department of State’s travel advisory warning, there has been continued demand for tourism. Egypt welcomed nearly 7.1 million tourists in the first half of the year, showing resilience in the face of geopolitical issues. However, the country has adjusted its projections, expecting between 15.5 to 16.5 million tourists compared to an initial target of 18 million. Jordan has also faced challenges, with a 4.9% drop in tourism income in the first half of the year and hotel occupancies as low as 3% in some areas since last October.
Lebanon has seen a decrease in tourist arrivals, with only 340,290 visitors in the first four months of 2024 compared to 398,186 the previous year. Despite these challenges, Dubai remains optimistic about its tourism sector, with the UAE’s leadership prioritizing safety and security. The Future Hospitality Summit held in Dubai also showed confidence in the region’s tourism industry, despite the ongoing conflict nearby. Saudi Arabia, another key player in the region’s tourism market, has maintained strong numbers with a total of 60 million tourists in the first half of the year.
Hotel groups like Accor and IHG have committed to keeping their properties open in war-affected areas, ensuring the safety and security of guests and staff. However, airlines have been more cautious, canceling flights to and from certain destinations in the Middle East due to ongoing regional developments. British Airways, Etihad, and other airlines have suspended or adjusted their flight schedules to ensure the safety of passengers. Lufthansa Group airlines, for example, have suspended flights to Tel Aviv, Beirut, and Tehran until various dates in October and November.
Overall, the tourism industry in the Middle East is facing challenges due to the ongoing conflict, with some areas experiencing significant declines in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy rates. However, there are still pockets of resilience, with countries like Egypt continuing to attract tourists despite geopolitical issues. Hotel groups are committed to keeping their properties open, while airlines are taking precautions to ensure the safety of passengers. Despite these challenges, there remains optimism for the future of the tourism industry in the region, with countries like Saudi Arabia maintaining strong numbers and Dubai remaining confident in its tourism sector.
