Israel-Iran conflict disrupts travel plans of UAE residents

SHARP DECLINE IN TRIPS TO COUNTRIES SUCH AS GEORGIA AND ARMENIA

- BY DHANUSHA GOKULAN Chief Reporter

Outbound tourism from the UAE to Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries and Georgia has taken a significant hit amid the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Travel agents are reporting a sharp decline in bookings, as widespread flight cancellations, rerouting, and growing public fear deter residents from travelling to the affected regions.

CIS nations — including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, and Georgia are extremely popular tourism hotspots for UAE travellers.

'People are scared'

Afi Ahmad, Chairman of Smart Travels, said there has been a substantial drop in CIS country tours. "Many flights were cancelled, and free-visa country tourism has dropped," he said. Ahmad explained that people are increasingly scared, choosing to travel only for severe emergencies, with business meetings largely moving online.