As tour operators and agents begin to see demand for the Middle East softening due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, airlines and hotels in alternative destinations have been urged not to put up their prices.
The Travel Network Group CEO Gary Lewis said that while the Middle East crisis was having only a ‘limited impact’ on travel, some of its members have reported customers were ‘reconsidering’ or postponing trips to destinations perceived as close to the conflict zone, including Cyprus.
Overall demand remains ‘stable’, he said, but some TTNG members have noticed increased interest in destinations ‘perceived as safer’, or closer to home.
“We would strongly hope that all parts of the travel ecosystem – particularly airlines and hoteliers – act responsibly and do not use this period of uncertainty as an opportunity to introduce disproportionate price increases,” said Gary.
“It is important that pricing remains fair and transparent to maintain consumer confidence at what is already a sensitive time.”
He added that TTNG’s priority is to ‘ensure our members have access to timely, accurate information from trusted sources.
“We continue to signpost official updates from the FCDO and our travel partners through our intranet, The Hub.”
Travelpack Director Vishal Patel said that while he hadn’t seen a significant number of clients cancelling or switching destinations, there had been ‘an inevitable and significant’ drop off in enquiries for the Middle East in the past couple of days.
“Like everyone, we are hoping there is no more activity in the region and things return to normal quickly,” he added.
Inspire Europe CEO Lisa Henning said its homeworkers had received more than 100 calls from concerned clients ‘seeking clarity and reassurance’ about their travel arrangements, especially for the UAE. However, she said customers were also becoming worried about travelling to the US, in fear of disruption there too.
Lisa said: “The overriding feeling is that people don’t want to travel to the UAE now, but rather than cancelling or choosing not to travel, they are looking at alternative destinations. The issue with that is that we are unable to amend bookings due to the fact that the FCDO (Foreign Office) advisory is that people are able to travel to the Middle East.”
Advantage said it was too early to give an indication of the impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis on bookings.
“We have had some anecdotal feedback – but it’s too early to see the impact across our numbers,” said CEO Julia Lo Bue-Said.
“These situations are concerning times for everyone, and we recognise that it is likely to cause some consumer anxiety,” she added.
“The advice we are giving to travellers is to follow guidance given by the FCDO, speak to their airline and of course, for those that have booked through a travel agent, to speak with them.
“For anyone already in destination we are advising them to stay tuned to information given by the local authorities.”
