‘Third of holiday destinations’ feeling impact of Iran war

More than a third of holiday destinations report being affected by the Iran war despite their geographic distance from the conflict, new research shows.

 

The findings of the latest member survey by the Association of National Tourist Office Representatives (Antor) suggests broader sentiment shifts.

 

Rising costs (57.14%) and general uncertainty (42.86%) are the most commonly cited concerns among UK travellers, followed by flight disruptions (28.57%) and safety/security worries (21.43%).

 

However, the majority of destinations (71.43%) report no rise in cancellations or postponements. Less than 29% have seen a slight or significant increase, according to the study.

 

The next three to six months are expected to bring continued uncertainty (42.86%), especially over flights and transport availability and costs, but optimism prevails with 57.14% anticipating a gradual or strong recovery in UK travel demand.

 

“Despite global uncertainty, the survey results indicate that UK travel remains largely resilient for the time being,” Antor noted.

 

Half of destinations surveyed this month reported no change in UK bookings, while almost 36% noted a decline - 21.43% slight, 14.29% significant. 

 

More than 14% have seen an increase in bookings, particularly those in Asia and the Caribbean. However, there is concern for forward bookings after the summer and for 2027.

 

The crisis has had no impact on demand for half of respondents, while 42.86% noticed effects either immediately or within weeks of the situation unfolding at the end of February.

 

Most destinations have not made major changes to marketing or messaging (85.71%), or adjusted marketing budgets (85.71%). 

 

Where action has been taken, it focuses on trade engagement (35.71%), travel updates (28.57%) and increased reassurance communications (28.57%).

 

Antor chair Manuel Butler, director of tourism at Spanish Tourist Office in the UK, said: “The survey underscores the resilience of UK outbound travel, with most destinations reporting stable demand and only limited increases in cancellations. 

 

“While cost and uncertainty are top concerns, the industry is responding with targeted reassurance and maintaining steady marketing activity. 

 

“The outlook for the coming months is cautiously optimistic, with recovery expected to outweigh further decline.”