Impact of the Middle East conflict on travel booking patterns in Pacific Asia

Tourism growth across Pacific Asia and Australasia led by Japan, Thailand and Vietnam PATA.org.uk

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA), UK & Ireland is reporting positive signs for the Pacific Asia travel sector following a new poll of its travel agent members examining the impact of the Middle East conflict on travel booking patterns.

Commenting on why PATA ran the poll, Chris Crampton, Chairman of PATA UK & Ireland, said:

“Many Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations rely on the Middle East as a key travel gateway, so we wanted to understand what impact the conflict is having on enquiries and bookings, and which destinations are either suffering or seeing increased demand.”

The survey, in which 85 agents responded, revealed a number of Pacific Asia and Australasia destinations are seeing elevated interest from changing traveller preferences, with Japan emerging as the strongest performer, as 43% of agents reported a spike in interest for the destination. Thailand also stood out as a strong contender for 39% of agents, while Singapore and Vietnam each saw increased demand from 32% of respondents.

When asked what impact agents are seeing on flights, 94% said ‘an increase in prices’, 57% noted ‘reduced availability’ and 37% said the situation is causing route changes and longer journey times.

One travel agent responding to the poll,

Michelle Pollock at Constance Hotels & Resorts commented: “Many clients won’t entertain travelling via the Middle East, whilst some are still willing and wanting to travel to or via the region. Direct carriers such as BA & Air Mauritius have unfortunately dampened the demand for Maldives and Mauritius due to high pricing at £2500 – £3500pp in economy! At times like this we should all work together as an industry to keep consumers travelling to our destinations.” – Michelle Pollock, Constance Hotels & Resorts.”

In fact, 55% of agents noted the Maldives has seen a significant decrease in demand.

However, according to 31% of agents, Australia, India and Malaysia have all seen positive gains. While Sri Lanka and New Zealand have been cited as increasingly popular by 18% of respondents.

When asked about global travel patterns, Asia and Australasia as a whole was identified by 44% of agents as one of the regions seeing stronger demand. As travellers look for alternative holiday options amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainty, 59% of agents noted a boom in European bookings, 54% an increase in the Caribbean and 31% the USA.

Some agents report a more difficult time but remain positive: “Demand has gone very quiet for all destinations…We expect demand to bounce back with last minute requests.” – Pascal August of Move Mountains Travel.

Overall, the survey paints a positive picture for Pacific Asia, confirming that the UK and Irish market is keen to travel still, opting for established, well-connected destinations within the region.

While operational challenges, higher air fares, fuel supply and reduced flight availability remain concerns for the industry, the findings demonstrate the resilience and appeal of Pacific Asia’s and British holidaymakers’ determination to still travel.