The military conflict in the Middle East is having a serious impact on the tourist season in Europe, redirecting the tourist flow and causing a number of changes. The Guardian reports that more and more tourists from the UK and the continent are changing their plans for the summer vacation. Instead of the traditional resorts in the eastern part of the Mediterranean, they choose destinations in the Western Mediterranean.
Changes in reservations and destinations: Tour operators report canceled flights and the closure of airspaces, which causes many passengers to avoid Cyprus, Turkey and part of Greece. These tourists are heading to Italy, Spain, Malta and Croatia. Tui reports an increase in interest in vacations in Spain, Portugal, Greece and Cape Verde. Many customers choose to change their destination instead of canceling reservations.
Sharp jump in prices and search for distant destinations: Tourist agencies note increased interest in long-distance travel, especially to the Caribbean. Direct flights to the Dominican Republic and Jamaica are sought. The limited number of seats on the planes leads to a sharp increase in ticket prices, with the prices of some flights increasing by up to 1000 pounds per person.
Economic consequences: The tourism sector is already feeling the economic consequences of the conflict. Shares of the online travel agency On the Beach fell after the company temporarily stopped its forecast for annual profit. The company reports a slowdown in bookings for destinations such as Turkey, Cyprus and Egypt.