Fleeing war, tourists shun the Middle East: can Morocco capitalize this summer?

The war involving Iran is upending vacation plans. Travelers are canceling their stays in the Middle East and eastern Mediterranean, fleeing conflict zones. This region, which normally attracts 181 million visitors annually, is experiencing a sharp decline in its appeal, with a marked drop in flight searches to the United Arab Emirates.

On Bladi.net : Morocco emerges as the safe haven for European tourists for the summer of 2026

Tourists are seeking safer alternatives and turning toward the southern Mediterranean, according to data reported by Reuters. Spain and Portugal are the primary beneficiaries, showing flight booking increases of 32% and 21% respectively. This trend illustrates a strong "safe haven effect" from which other regional countries, such as Morocco, could benefit.

This massive transfer of travelers represents a genuine financial windfall. Spain’s tourism industry calculates that this diverted clientele could bring an additional 4.2 billion euros this year. These record figures raise questions about the potential economic returns for neighboring countries in the southern Mediterranean basin facing this unprecedented demand.

On Bladi.net : The Middle East War: Morocco emerges as the safe haven destination for vacationers

However, caution remains warranted for this summer season. The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens to skyrocket fuel prices for aircraft and disrupt global traffic. Jorge Marichal, president of a hotel association, warns: "Everything will depend on what happens in the Strait of Hormuz, because all these forecasts could fall apart."