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Middle East could see 11-27% drop in international visitors due to war, says Tourism Economics
Reuters | March 4, 2026 12:38 AM CST

Synopsis

A potential U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran could severely impact Middle East tourism. Experts predict a sharp decline in international visitors, potentially between 23 to 38 million fewer travelers. This downturn is estimated to result in a substantial financial loss, ranging from $34 billion to $56 billion in visitor spending for the region this year.

A display in the arrivals terminal of the Henri Coanda International Airport shows cancelled flights originating in Middle East countries, in Otopeni, Romania, Tuesday, March 3, 2026.
The U.S.-Israeli war against Iran could result in a drop of between ‌11-27% ⁠in ⁠international visitors to the Middle East this year, according to estimates from Tourism Economics on Tuesday.

That ⁠compares with ‌its ​projection ​in December ⁠for a rise of 13% this ​year.

The assessment would ​equate to between 23 million and 38 million fewer ‌international visitors to the Middle ​East ​and ⁠a $34 billion to $56 billion loss in visitor spend ​this year, it said.


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