Tuesday, January 21, 2025 The recent ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been met with cautious optimism within the travel and tourism industries, particularly among tour operators, airlines, and travelers considering holidaying in the Middle East. While the full recovery of the region’s tourism industry will not happen overnight, this ceasefire offers a glimpse of hope that travel to the region is on the path to returning to normalcy. This hopeful outlook is particularly relevant for destinations like Egypt and Jordan, which have not been directly impacted by the ongoing conflict.
Despite the challenges the region has faced due to the ongoing conflict since October 2023, travel operators are starting to see renewed confidence among travelers. Dennis Bunnik, joint CEO of Bunnik Tours, shared that although the company’s Israel touring program remains suspended, its Egypt and Jordan tours have been operating smoothly and continue to welcome visitors. Bunnik noted a significant increase in bookings and inquiries for upcoming trips to Egypt and Jordan, especially for the high season in 2025.
Similarly, Intrepid Travel, which operates over 20 trips across Jordan and Egypt, reported a notable rise in bookings, with Australians’ interest in visiting Egypt up by 150% and Jordan by 200% compared to the previous year. The company remains cautious regarding operations in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but sees the ceasefire as a positive step towards restoring confiden.
