The escalating conflict in the Middle East is raising concerns about the impact on tourism in major destinations like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.
Recent events, such as the Israeli airstrike in Syria on 16 December—described as the heaviest in the region, with blasts registering on the Richter scale—have intensified global concerns about safety in the region. With travellers becoming increasingly wary, the region’s tourism industry could face significant setbacks.
Tourism in the Middle East has already been feeling the effects of regional instability. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, which rely heavily on international visitors for economic growth, are seeing a dip in tourist numbers.
For example, the UAE welcomed 23 million international visitors in 2022, but the latest unrest, coupled with ongoing safety concerns, could lead to fewer arrivals in the coming months. Similarly, Egypt, which recorded 11.7 million international arrivals in 2022, may experience a downturn as tourists shy away from the region due to fears of escalating violence.
Jordan’s tourism industry, which contributed 13.3% of the nation’s GDP in 2019, is also under pressure. Iconic sites like Petra and the Dead Sea could see fewer visitors, particularly as travellers increasingly associate the entire region with unrest. Despite the country's reliance on tourism for economic stability, there is no doubt that the ongoing conflict is shaking global confidence.
The ripple effects extend beyond these countries, with other regional hubs like Doha and Dubai also reporting declines in bookings. International airlines, especially those with routes to the Middle East, are facing reduced demand, and hospitality businesses are already seeing lower occupancy rates.
While governments in the region are focusing on reassuring potential visitors with enhanced safety measures and flexible policies, the long-term impact will depend on the duration of the conflict and how quickly trust in the region can be restored.