Travellers cancelling vacations to Middle East and North Africa

The Rhapsody Of The Seas cruise liner leaving the Israeli port of Haifa on Oct 16. — AFP

Travellers are cancelling or postponing planned vacations to the Middle East and North Africa due to fears of the Israel-Hamas conflict worsening, and as touring companies have also altered itineraries and cancelled flights.

Leisure travel demand to the Middle East was hit after the conflict began on Oct 7. Major airlines extended temporary halts on flights into Israel through the end of the year while cruise operators are shifting itineraries to avoid neighbouring countries as well. Travel operators say the war is affecting demand for travel to nearby nations including Egypt, Jordan and Turkiye.