Online Reporter
Rutendo Nyeve, [email protected]
UN Tourism is engaging major aviation stakeholders to find solutions to mounting disruptions in global travel caused by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and Gulf region.
Despite the turbulence affecting international air routes, Zimbabwean tourism operators remain optimistic, describing Zimbabwe as one of Africa’s most attractive destinations and forecasting a strong 2026 tourism season as travellers increasingly shift away from volatile northern routes.
Speaking during a recent visit to Victoria Falls, UN Tourism Regional Director for Africa, Ms Elcia Grandcourt, said geopolitical instability in the Middle East and Gulf region was already affecting the global tourism sector.
She said the situation remains highly volatile following the escalation of conflict on February 28, with major transport hubs affected.
“Airspace in key transport hubs, including Dubai and Doha, has been fully or partially closed since the escalation. As a result, thousands of passengers have been stranded, while many travellers have cancelled or altered their travel plans due to the prevailing uncertainty in the region,” she said.
Ms Grandcourt warned that the impact extends beyond the Middle East.
“This situation is significantly affecting tourism across the Middle East and the Gulf, with considerable spill-over effects on intercontinental travel, particularly on routes connecting Europe with Africa and Asia, for which the region serves as a critical air corridor,” she said.
She said UN Tourism is actively engaging key global aviation partners, including the International Civil Aviation Organisation, the International Air Transport Association and major airlines, to explore solutions that can reduce the impact of current disruptions.
Ms Grandcourt also stressed that peace, safety and security are essential pillars for sustainable tourism growth, citing the International Code for the Protection of Tourists as an important framework for protecting travellers during emergencies.
In Zimbabwe, tourism players say the country remains well-positioned to benefit from changing travel patterns.
Tourism executive, Dr Clement Mukwasi, acknowledged the immediate challenges but expressed confidence in the sector’s outlook.
“The peak season has started, but it has been disturbed by the conflict in the Middle East, so connecting flights and the convenience in the movement of tourists have been affected,” he said.
“We think that the number of people coming through will be a bit constrained, but we remain buoyant and confident because Zimbabwe remains one of the best places to visit in Africa, and 2026 shall also bring very good fortunes.”
Dr Mukwasi said Southern Africa’s peaceful environment gives the region a competitive advantage.
“Southern Africa has remained peaceful and we expect many travellers to shift their preferences from northern destinations to the south of Africa, particularly to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls,” he said.
