ravellers from Flanders are increasingly avoiding destinations in the Middle East due to ongoing conflict, opting instead for locations in southern Europe and parts of Africa. Countries such as Spain and Portugal are seeing a notable rise in bookings, alongside destinations including Tunisia and Senegal.
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), the conflict is having a significant economic impact on the region’s travel sector, with losses estimated at around US$600 million (€550 million) per day in international visitor spending. The disruption is driven by reduced traveller confidence, interruptions to air travel and weakened regional connectivity.
The Middle East plays a crucial role in global travel, accounting for around 5% of international arrivals and approximately 14% of global transit traffic. As a result, instability in the region has repercussions far beyond its borders, affecting airlines, airports, hotels, cruise operators and car rental companies worldwide.
Major aviation hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, Doha in Qatar, and Manama in Bahrain have experienced closures and operational disruptions. These hubs typically handle more than 500,000 passengers per day, meaning any interruption significantly impacts both regional and global connectivity.
A clear shift in consumer behaviour
Travel companies in Belgium report a clear shift in consumer behaviour, De Morgen reports. Bookings for Spain, Portugal and Tunisia have increased markedly compared with the same period last year. Travellers are prioritising destinations perceived as safe, stable and closer to home, with European locations benefiting most from this trend.
Industry data suggests that in times of crisis, travellers initially delay booking decisions before returning cautiously to the market, often favouring familiar destinations. Countries such as Spain, Italy, Greece and Portugal are currently among the most popular choices. Some African destinations, including Kenya and Tanzania, are also seeing modest increases in demand.
Despite the current downturn, the WTTC emphasises that tourism remains one of the most resilient global industries. Historical data shows that demand following security-related crises can recover within as little as two months, particularly when governments and industry stakeholders act quickly to restore traveller confidence through clear communication, coordinated responses and safety measures.
The organisation continues to monitor developments closely, working with governments and industry leaders to support travellers and mitigate the impact on the global tourism sector.
In the short term, price increases are expected to remain limited, as many airlines have secured fuel costs in advance. However, if the conflict persists, rising energy prices and continued disruption could lead to higher travel costs in future seasons, potentially affecting demand.