Travel sector adapts to Mideast conflict

Résumé détaillé

SUY SE / AFP Heightened conflicts in the Middle East and higher fuel costs have heavily impacted travel activities and tourism across the region and beyond, but the sector has…

Heightened conflicts in the Middle East and higher fuel costs have heavily impacted travel activities and tourism across the region and beyond, but the sector has learned to adapt to the changed circumstances, helping it regain its footing, industry veterans say.

Along with industry stakeholders, the market has seen travelers themselves adjust to the new environment, the experts said, pointing to the emergence of new segments, alternative routes, more flexible schedules and other phenomena.

“Having worked in travel for decades, I have seen that Bahrain is a very adaptable market. We saw that clearly this year. When air operations were disrupted, Gulf Air temporarily operated services through Dammam (in Saudi Arabia) to keep international connections moving,” said Fatima Ahmed, chairperson of the Association of Bahrain Travel and Tour Agents, the official industry body representing travel and tourism agencies in Manama.

Ahmed, who is the first Bahraini woman to hold the position at the industry body, also noted that Bahrain’s hosting of Formula 1 was relocated to Malaysia “under exceptional circumstances”.

She said these were good examples of finding practical solutions to solve problems.

Ahmed noted that international airlines suspended or rerouted services following their own operational decisions and external aviation safety guidance. In July, for example, Ahmed said, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency advised European-regulated airlines to avoid Bahrain and other Gulf airspace, although this was not a closure imposed by Bahrain.

“Travelers themselves are also adapting. Leisure passengers want greater flexibility, while business travelers look more closely at alternative routings. Businesses are doing the same, particularly with uncertainty around the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandeb,” she added, referring to the vital Gulf waterways that suffered disruptions due to the conflicts in the region.

Ahmed said that during the Eid al-Fitr festival in March, the…

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