Iran War Affects Tourism Across the Entire Region

Unsurprisingly, the impact of the war in the Middle East on the tourism sector has been most devastating in Iran, Israel and Lebanon, where international visitor numbers have plummeted due to the safety situation. That doesn’t mean the effects of the conflict haven’t spilled over to other countries in the region, however, as our chart illustrates.

According to estimates from Statista Market Insights, hotel revenues from international visitors are expected to plummet across the entire Middle East this year, with all but two countries – Oman and Iraq – expected to suffer declines in excess of 20 percent. Even in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, the largest tourism markets in the region, hotel revenue is expected to drop by 26 to 32 percent, as flight disruptions and safety concerns detract travelers from abroad.