Rising tensions in the Middle East are affecting travel confidence beyond the region.
“Clients are avoiding these war zone countries and don't have confidence to travel through troubled areas. They are looking for reassurances which none of us can provide, given the situation,” said Hope Kistan from Journeys With Hope.
Impact on broader travel
The conflict is having a knock-on effect, with travellers showing concerns for destinations not directly impacted by the war.
“In many cases the concern is not about the destination specifically, but rather the regional perception of risk. Clients often view a region as a whole, so when conflict dominates the news cycle, it can create uncertainty for countries that remain completely stable and safe for tourism,” said Tammy Wright, Sales and Product Manager of Dream Kist Tours.
The main concerns from clients include:
- Airspace and flight disruptions – travellers are worried about disruptions as airlines adjust routes to avoid affected airspaces.
- Escalation risk – clients ask whether the conflict could spread to neighbouring countries.
- Safety perception – media coverage can make travellers uneasy, even when the destination is safe. Clients are advised to check with operators and suppliers based in the destinations for confirmation.
- Travel logistics – clients are concerned about insurance coverage, cancellation policies, or whether they can return home if the situation escalates.
“The goal is to support clients while maintaining confidence by demonstrating that many destinations remain unaffected. We have to focus on destinations that are not affected by the conflict,” said Wright.
According to Kistan, clients are continuing to travel to Europe, Canada, Australia, Far East Asia and India. “I encourage clients to consider alternative destinations like the Indian Ocean Islands, Europe and Mediterranean cruises. For those not travelling in the next two months, it’s a bit of a wait and see mentality,” said Kistan.
Long-term impact
The situation is unlikely to resolve soon, with flights resuming only under strict risk assessments. “Airlines and civil aviation regulators will only restart services once airspace restrictions ease, threat levels stabilise, and security and contingency measures are in place. While some routes may reopen, travel will remain dynamic, and passengers should expect ongoing disruption and enhanced security checks in the near term,” said Senior President Aviation & Maritime Security at MedAire, Hanry Bakr, in International SOS’s US-Iran Conflict: Immediate Global Risks for Businesses report.
International SOS has recommended the following stay-safe tips:
- Minimise time near US and Israeli military or diplomatic sites as further strikes are possible.
- Monitor developments via verified sources (the International SOS assistance portal, diplomatic missions, trusted local contacts).
- Follow official directives, including curfews, restrictions and road closures.
- Expect airspace closures, cancellations and travel disruption.
- Do not act on or share unverified information.
Despite the long-term impacts, agents have been cautious rather than panicked. “We have seen a lot of cancellations and no requests for Dubai at the moment. What has been amazing is that clients have asked suppliers to hold their funds for travel later, which shows that clients have a positive outlook and will still travel once things are resolved,” said Wright.
Industry remains resilient
Through all the challenges, the industry remains resilient. “What has always helped the travel sector move forward is the strong sense of partnership. From suppliers supporting tour operators, tour operators supporting agents, and agents supporting clients, the entire chain works together to navigate uncertainty. That collaboration and mutual support is one of the reasons the travel industry continues to recover, adapt, and remain resilient,” said Wright.
Kistan praised the support from airlines and consortia. “The assistance from airlines has been exceptional. Their policies and time frame given to rebook and re-arrange flights has not been easy to navigate but the airline reps have given us their full support.”
For ITC members that belong to a consortium, she said the assistance had been reassuring, with agents sharing guidance and communications to help each other navigate the situation.
