Iran conflict costing Middle East tourism US$600 million daily, says World Travel & Tourism Council
Published:Wednesday | March 11, 2026 | 4:41 PM
The escalating conflict in Iran is already costing the Middle East travel sector an estimated US$600 million per day in international visitor spending, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).
The potential fallout was evident on the floor of ITB Berlin, where thousands of global tourism stakeholders gathered this week.
The Middle Eastern and Arabian pavilion remained prominently positioned, but the usual buzz surrounding the region appeared noticeably subdued, even as several suppliers maintained a strong presence with well-designed booths.
The WTTC said the losses stem largely from disruptions in air travel, declining traveller confidence and reduced regional connectivity as geopolitical tensions escalate.
The Middle East remains a critical hub in global tourism, accounting for about five per cent of international arrivals and 14 per cent of global transit traffic.
Any disruption in the region quickly affects travel demand worldwide, impacting airports, airlines, hotels, car rental companies and cruise operators.
Several major aviation hubs, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain, which collectively process millions of passengers, have experienced closures and operational disruptions as the conflict escalates.
The WTTC’s analysis is based on its 2026 pre-conflict forecast, which projected US$207 billion in international visitor spending across the Middle East this year.
Despite the challenges, the organisation said travel and tourism remains one of the most resilient sectors globally.
WTTC President and CEO Gloria Guevara said previous crises have shown that tourism demand can recover relatively quickly.
“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,” she said.
Guevara noted that past security-related incidents have seen tourism demand rebound in as little as two months when governments and industry stakeholders act swiftly to restore traveller confidence.
“Clear communication, strong coordination between the public and private sectors, and measures that reinforce safety and stability are critical to rebuilding trust with travellers and supporting the sector’s recovery,” she added.
The WTTC said it will continue monitoring developments while working with governments and industry leaders to support traveller safety and the resilience of the global travel and tourism sector.
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