WTTC warns Iran conflict is costing travel sector at least US$600 million daily

International

Disruptions to air travel and traveller confidence are affecting tourism demand across the Middle East

The escalating conflict involving Iran is already causing significant losses for the Travel & Tourism sector in the Middle East. According to estimates by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), disruptions to air travel, regional connectivity and traveller confidence are reducing international visitor spending in the region by at least US$600 million per day.

The Middle East plays a crucial role in global travel flows. The region accounts for around five percent of global international arrivals and about 14 percent of worldwide transit traffic. Any disruption in the region therefore has immediate effects on the wider tourism ecosystem, including airlines, airports, hotels, cruise lines and car rental companies.

Major aviation hubs affected by operational disruptions

Key aviation hubs in the region, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Bahrain, together normally handle around 526,000 passengers per day. As the conflict escalates, closures and operational disruptions at these hubs have significantly affected both regional and global connectivity.

WTTC’s analysis is based on its pre-conflict forecast for 2026, which projected approximately US$207 billion in international visitor spending across the Middle East this year. As a result, even short-term interruptions to travel flows can translate into substantial economic losses for the region’s tourism industry.

Tourism sector seen as highly resilient

Despite the current challenges, WTTC emphasises that travel and tourism remains one of the most resilient sectors of the global economy. Research conducted by the organisation shows that tourism demand often recovers relatively quickly following security-related incidents.

According to WTTC analyses of previous crises, tourism demand can rebound in as little as two months if governments and industry stakeholders respond effectively and restore traveller confidence.

Importance of coordinated response

“Travel & Tourism is the most resilient of sectors. The impact of international visitor spending across the Middle East is significant and averages around US$600 million per day, but history shows that the sector can recover quickly, especially when governments support travellers through hotel support or repatriation,” said Gloria Guevara, President and CEO of the World Travel & Tourism Council.

“Our analysis of previous crises demonstrates that security-related incidents often see the fastest tourism recovery times, in some cases as quickly as two months, when governments and industry work together to restore traveller confidence. WTTC commends governments who have worked tirelessly in recent days to support recovery efforts.”

Guevara also stressed that clear communication, strong coordination between public and private stakeholders and measures that reinforce safety and stability are essential to rebuilding traveller trust and supporting recovery.

WTTC continues to monitor developments

The World Travel & Tourism Council, which represents the private sector of the travel industry, said it is closely monitoring developments on behalf of its members. The organisation remains in contact with governments and industry leaders to support traveller safety and strengthen the resilience of the global travel and tourism sector.