War and crisis: the impact on tourism
The Iran war has put an end to the popularity of the Gulf states as a tourist destination, social media checks for visa applications in the US are provoking protests and people are tightening their purse strings. European commentators examine what the global political and economic situation means for tourists and holidays.
Better to stay home?
In times of rapid change, opting not to travel is not the worst course of action, writes Latvijas Avīze:
“Until recently the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was considered a safe country. ... Unfortunately we live in a world in which the security situation can change within days, or even hours. The US State Department has now marked the country as orange on its map, and is advising travellers to think twice before flying there. The Latvian Foreign Ministry also strongly advises against travelling to the UAE. Since the start of the war between the US and Iran, rockets and drones have also exploded in the UAE, causing a mass exodus of foreigners. ... The takeaway is clear: it might be better to stay home.”
Uncertainty rising
In El Periódico de Catalunya's analysis:
“Wars are no longer merely atrocities to be condemned. They also impact globalised economies, threaten jobs worldwide and interfere with holiday plans, hotel and restaurant management and travellers' rights. ... The closer summer gets, the greater the uncertainty becomes. ... Low-cost airlines have begun to reduce routes and cancel flights, while others are considering price hikes. ... Some airlines have even called for a kind of amnesty on compensation payments for cancellations and delays in view of the expected chaos at airports. ... Geopolitics are determining whether we can travel, work or lead a life that is even remotely normal.”
Holidays are holy for the Germans
Politis assesses the situation for German tourists:
“Holidays are revered by the Germans. They are sacred, untouchable, a social entitlement, a firmly established labour right. ... But their rising costs are causing discontent. And this is also reflected at the political level, with public dissatisfaction growing as each of the post-war achievements – and the German prosperity associated with them – begins to waver, leading to last-minute surprises. The high political cost and a goverment's decline usually stem from its inability to safeguard citizens' achievements: in this case, their holidays.”