Spain is experiencing a real tourism boom all records regarding demand, income, activity and employment In the wake of the total collapse caused by the Covid pandemic. Despite all the uncertainties imposed on the sector due to inflation, energy crisis, economic slowdown in some European countries and the general economic impact of the global crisis, the tourism sector continues to accelerate. ukraine war.
War conflicts are a clear risk for tourism. The exact opposite scenario to what is desirable for traveling and promoting business. The war that started in the Middle East following the recent attacks by Hamas against Israel. It already affects regional tourismWith cancellation of bookings and suspension of flights to Israel. The earthquake of war at the other end of the Mediterranean could unexpectedly bring (unintended) benefits to Spanish tourism.
“It is not at all desirable that other people’s misfortunes should have positive effects on Spanish tourism. conflict between Israel And Palestine May have the undesirable effect of favoring Spanish destinations By travelers who stop going to rival destinations,” explains José Luis Zoreda, vice president of Exceltur, a lobby that brings together thirty of the largest Spanish tourism companies (such as Meliá, NH, Iberia, Globalia, Riu, Iberostar or Amadeus).
The Spanish business association predicts that “Many European tourists may choose not to go to Egypt, Turkey or Tunisia in the coming months due to their proximity to the conflict zone.” definitions Canary Islands as the main potential beneficiary of this transfer of ‘borrowed’ tourists. And Egypt is a unique direct competitor to the Canary Islands in the winter season for continental customers looking for sun, beach trips and good temperatures.
Spain has also benefited from the arrival of ‘borrower’ tourists on other occasions due to geopolitical tensions in the Mediterranean. For years, tourist destinations welcomed millions of travelers who avoided beach destinations like Egypt or Tunisia after the Arab Spring and other security issues in different countries in the region. International tour operators then redirected their customers who did not want to go to these countries, and the primary destination for these tourists was Spain.