CONSUMERS may be concerned about the Middle East conflict, but it is not stopping them from travelling to the region, according to operators.
Bunnik Tours is still seeing interest in Egypt and Jordan, although more travellers are assessing the situation first and booking their trips closer to the time of departure, said General Manager, Annelieke Huijgens.
“As they are such big bucket-list destinations, we are finding clients are still keen to tick them off,” she told Travel Daily.
“In fact, in the second half of this year, our passenger numbers to the region are up 112% compared to last year.”
Travel operator Forward Travel has also adjusted its itineraries that include the affected regions, with some clients happy to enjoy a rerouted schedule, while others are postponing their trips.
“We’ve noticed that many of our clients remain interested in the region and have been happy to shift to neighbouring countries that offer similar experiences cultural and historically without the associated risks, such as Oman, Jordan and countries in north Africa,” the company’s owner David Smyth said.
He has also noted an increased demand for flexibility and queries around cancellation and rerouting policies, pushing the company “to work even more closely with our partners on the ground to provide accurate, timely advice and options”.
Forward Travel is also offering more generous terms and conditions around amendments and cancellations, and clearer communication around coverage.
“We’ve found that when we provide context, explaining where risks exist, where they don’t, and how we’re monitoring developments, clients respond positively,” he said.
“It becomes a collaborative planning process rather than a simple yes-or-no discussion.”
Other advisors like MTA’s Annie Morrison however have noticed a drop in interest in the region.
“I have not received any new enquiries for travel to anywhere in the Middle East, which is unusual,” she revealed.
Some clients have also asked for an Asian alternative to Middle Eastern carriers on Euro trips.
“I feel CX, SQ, MH and TG will see more traffic for 2026 Euro summer,” added itravel’s Geoff Currie. JHM
