European vacationers are turning away from the Middle East

It is clear that, for the moment, many tourists do not want to go to Egypt or Jordan. Countries close to conflict zones are unfortunately avoided by vacationers looking for safety. What are the alternatives?

The EU and UK governments have already warned against travel to many areas unless strictly essential.

The French would rather go to the Canaries

According to several professionals, French clients opt for regions that are less historically rich, but much quieter. The Canaries in winter are therefore popular, particularly Lanzarote and Tenerife. Those looking for a faraway destination will go to Mauritius, the Maldives, Bali or even Japan. This destination is currently experiencing real success, just like Mexico.

Italians favor Spain as a refuge destination

The Spanish islands have seen a sharp increase in demand from Italians: Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Fuerteventura have very positive forecasts. Island Spain is therefore positioning itself as a refuge destination for Europeans, with a trend that could also favor the Balearic Islands.

The Spanish are also looking for an alternative to Egypt

The current situation in the Middle East is causing Spanish tourists to rethink their vacation plans. Indeed, cancellations are increasing, with a “transfer” of customers from Egypt and Jordan to the Caribbean.

According to operators on the Iberian Peninsula, Morocco and Tunisia could also be affected by the reservation changes. But to see things more clearly, we will have to wait for the evolution of the conflict.

Caution required among the Anglo-Saxons in Egypt…

The UK Foreign Office (FCDO) has not issued an “avoid all non-essential travel” warning for Egypt, as it has for Israel. However, those who intend to cancel a trip to Egypt may not be eligible for a refund even if they have travel insurance.

The FCDO therefore urges tourists to remain vigilant and pay attention to tourist and religious sites, as well as public gatherings, in Alexandria, where two Israeli tourists and an Egyptian guide were killed by an Egyptian police officer.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) strongly advises against travel to the North Sinai governorate, which borders Israel and Gaza, including the Taba-Suez route. He also advises against traveling to Gaza via the Rafah border crossing.

The DFA recommends arriving by air if traveling to Sharm el-Sheikh, Hurghada and surrounding areas, Marsa Alam and surrounding areas, and the Nile tourist areas (such as Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel).