The Israel-Hamas conflict, which began a year ago, continues to impact tourism in neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan. The ongoing conflict has created a sense of uncertainty and concern among travelers, leading to a decline in tourism from American and European markets. Despite the high season approaching, the volatility of the situation makes it challenging to attract tourists to these destinations, as there are many other options available that are not plagued by conflict.
Cruise lines, such as Norwegian Cruise Line and Carnival, have decided to suspend trips to Israel, Egypt, and Jordan due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This decision was made to prioritize the safety and well-being of guests and crew members. The lack of interest from cruise industry players further adds to the challenges faced by these countries in attracting tourists. The situation has been particularly difficult for Jordan, which has seen a significant drop in tourist arrivals and hotel occupancy compared to the previous year.
Jordan, which shares a border with Israel, has been hit the hardest by the conflict, with a 7% decrease in tourist arrivals in the first eight months of the year. The country has experienced a drop in airline capacity and hotel occupancy, making it a challenging year for the tourism industry in Jordan. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel and WeRoad have reported a significant decline in customer bookings for Jordan, with demand shifting to other destinations like Morocco.
Despite the challenges faced by Jordan, Egypt has seen a slight increase in tourist arrivals in the first seven months of 2024. However, the American market remains largely absent, with a decrease in the number of U.S. citizens visiting the country. The Egypt Minister of Tourism and Antiquities has acknowledged that the Israel-Hamas conflict has deterred American tourists from visiting Egypt. Tour operators like Great Wonders of Egypt Travel and Kensington Tours have also reported a decline in bookings from American travelers, indicating that the country is far from a full recovery in terms of tourism.
Egypt’s scheduled airline seats and hotel occupancy have remained stable compared to the previous year, but the absence of American tourists has impacted the overall tourism industry in the country. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel have also reported a decline in customer bookings for Egypt. The conflict in the region has created uncertainty and fear among travelers, making it difficult to attract tourists to Egypt and other neighboring countries. It remains to be seen how these countries will navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing conflict and work towards a full recovery in the tourism sector.
