AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT — Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are beginning to affect international travel patterns, with a noticeable decline in outbound tourism from cities like Ahmedabad.
Speaking on the trend, travel industry expert Manish Sharma said that uncertainty due to the situation involving countries like Iran, Israel, and the United States has led to a drop in international tourism, particularly to destinations in the Middle East.
He noted that popular destinations such as Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Turkey, and Azerbaijan have seen a decline of around 30% in tourist traffic, as travellers are becoming cautious due to safety concerns and geopolitical instability.
However, Sharma pointed out that international travel overall has not stopped completely. Tourists are still visiting destinations in Europe, the United States, and Southeast Asia, including countries like Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Bali.
He also highlighted that rising global costs have made international travel more expensive. The strengthening of the US dollar has increased travel expenses, while higher fuel prices have added around a 10% increase to overall tour costs. These factors are further influencing travellers’ decisions.
As a result, domestic tourism in India has seen a strong rise, as more people are choosing to travel within the country instead of going abroad. Sharma said that many travellers are now exploring local destinations due to affordability and convenience.
He specifically mentioned that pilgrimage tourism has gained momentum, with a large number of people opting for trips like the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Industry observers believe that while international tourism may recover once global tensions ease, the current situation has created an opportunity for domestic tourism to grow significantly.
The trend shows how global events can directly influence travel choices, with safety concerns and rising costs pushing more travellers towards domestic destinations.
