Travellers are cancelling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and cancelled flights. Leisure travel demand to the Middle East was hit after the conflict began on Oct 7. German airline Group Lufthansa said their Middle East bookings have not been affected by the war, with only an initial dip when the conflict started. Spanish travel agency Essentialist said it has cancelled 75% of trips to the extended Middle East and North-East Africa region. The conflict’s effect on travel demand to the Middle East may extend beyond the holidays and even just neighbouring countries.
