The outbreak of violence in the Middle East is causing tensions in many countries in the Mediterranean basin, with numerous demonstrations hostile to France in countries such as Tunisia and Turkey.
In the current context, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked travelers to be vigilant when traveling abroad in countries in the Middle East, North Africa and East Africa and advises them to avoid demonstrations that could “give rise to slogans hostile to Israel and West”. countries”.
However, it seems that these destinations will continue to attract the same number of tourists ahead of the All Saints’ festivities that begin this Saturday. At Lidl Voyages, in general, bookings increase by 3% compared to 2022 and 10% compared to 2019, with “countries such as Tunisia, Turkey, Egypt and Morocco representing 50% of bookings for All Saints’ Day “explains the tour operator.
The success of all inclusive
A success that, according to Lidl Voyages, is based above all on the predominance of all-inclusive stays in these countries: “an offer that is increasing with inflation, allowing vacationers to control their entire budget.” But also for a very low cost of living. “The French prefer to travel abroad, where prices are more competitive,” says the tour operator.
The trend is quite similar in Fram/Promovacances. If the Balearic Islands and Crete, in Greece, lead the reservations with the tour operator, the list is completed by Tunisia and Morocco, which benefit from a “very clear recovery in reservations.” As in TUI France, where the Canary Islands, Morocco and Tunisia dominate sales.
On the side of Jordan, a country bordering Israel and very popular for its ancient heritage, we try to show that tourism is going well and that vacationers are safe to avoid too many cancellations. In a press release issued this Friday, the Jordanian Tourism Office cited foreign tourists “testifying that the Hashemite Kingdom is calm and welcoming and that they feel safe there.”
Israel is the only country officially advised against
However, the Quai d’Orsay urged French tourists to exercise caution. “French citizens who are currently in the country are advised to exercise the utmost vigilance and caution and to stay absolutely away from any demonstrations or gatherings,” indicates the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, no advice advises against traveling to Jordan or Egypt.
Obviously, this is not the case in Israel, which usually receives many tourists in the off-season. “Given the security tensions in the region, particularly on Israel’s northern border, in Gaza and in the rest of the Palestinian Territories, French visitors planning a stay in Israel and Jerusalem are not recommended to go there, except for reasons imperious. “, indicates the Quai d’Orsay in his travel advice.
Few cancellations
The truth is that these stays were booked several months ago and the French are increasingly anticipating their purchases. Are tour operators seeing an increase in cancellations then?
“About Egypt and Jordan, there are questions. Clients ask questions, but we have very few cancellations,” says Isabelle Jaecques, commercial director of Eden Tour, interviewed by TourMag.
It must be said that in the absence of official restrictions, any cancellation is at the client’s expense.
Source: BFM TV
