'Uncertainty' in tourism sector over Middle East conflict, with more focus on local travel

The organizers of the B-Travel tourism fair, coming to Barcelona next March 20-22, speak of "uncertainty" in the sector due to the conflict in the Middle East.

As an alternative, they highlight the commitment to local tourism and the need to "diversify markets," as explained on Wednesday by Martí Sarrate, president of the trade show.

Some 110 exhibitors and 40 agencies will pitch up at the Fira de Montjuïc site later this month for the travel fair, including almost all the autonomous communities of Spain, as well as plenty of international representation.

Despite the conflicts taking place across the globe, there have been no cancellations of exhibitors at the fair, with Sarrate explaining that these destinations come to "promote" themselves, despite situations that "may be temporary."

The head of the event also explained that there is an increase in costs that may affect the way citizens travel, because many have "an allocated budget," and this may lead to people deciding to go to destinations "closer by."

Meanwhile, Cristina Lagé, general director of tourism, has spoken of "security" in Catalonia as an asset for visitors.

She highlighted the importance of local tourism, especially with "this uncertainty" due to war conflicts around the planet.

The director of the show, Laura Cardona, said that the "uncertainty of the geopolitical context" could mean not "traveling to borders beyond."

Yet, she believes in the importance of giving "visibility" to other cultures and regions, and therefore, Uzbekistan has been selected as the guest country for this edition.

However, to promote local tourism, various entities from Barcelona will exhibit at the show to "promote" visits within the city itself. Cardona explained that the idea is to "strengthen" the ability to discover the Catalan capital, "not only as residents, but also as visitors."

The director said that many times when traveling abroad, people go to "discover new proposals", but citizens do not pay attention to what is there where they live.

Organizers are optimistic they can see a repeat of the 26,000 visitors that came to last year's edition, even possibly exceeding that figure.

Holiday relocations

The war in the Middle East is causing relocations and changes in holiday destinations and routes.

The conflict has a major impact on the Persian Gulf, where 35% of air traffic between Europe and Asia passes.

Relocations are mainly opting for direct flights from other European cities, especially using the Istanbul hub or the North Pole corridors.

Agencies have so far seen "few cancellations" for upcoming trips, but they have had to postpone trips and make changes to destinations.

According to the ACAVe sector's employers' association, they operate "normally" in countries like Egypt and insist that "there is no reason" not to travel.

"We are not talking about a security problem as much as a mobility problem," its vice president, Jordi Viñolas, explained.

The connection hubs of Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi are either closed or are highly restricted, and this is causing travel agencies to focus on "helping affected travelers" with alternatives, with either a chance of destination or reimbursements.