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Arab Spring Moves into Fall – Impact on Tourism - By John Hendrie

2012-09-18

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LRA Worldwide I wonder what will happen to tourism in these Middle Eastern countries and around the rest of the world, where tour buses are grounded and hotels become only home to the media and contractors. There are always curiosity seekers, who, despite warnings and alerts, wander about. But, any communication or marketing to and from these areas will have very strong travel caveats.

Most of us have been transfixed, watching the latest evolution of countries and regimes in the Middle East. The Arab Spring was sufficiently surprising to many, fragile governments were established and there was eerie silence until a certain incendiary video hit the media currents recently. The Internet carries an assortment of hate, but this video somehow became the cause celebre, and we have now seen anger and vitriol at our Embassy doors, even as far afield as Australia. These new governments, still searching their way, have tried to be protective of Western assets and representation, but, as we know from history, revolutions can get hijacked very quickly in volatile societies.

I wonder what will happen to tourism in these Middle Eastern countries and around the rest of the world, where tour buses are grounded and hotels become only home to the media and contractors. There are always curiosity seekers, who, despite warnings and alerts, wander about. But, any communication or marketing to and from these areas will have very strong travel caveats.

In many of these Middle Eastern states, economies are fragile, and tourism is not at the top of the list, as a priority. Yet, as is true around the world, Tourism is a healthy chunk of a country’s GNP, wrapped around all the related hospitality services – hotels, restaurants, retail, vendors to the industry, etc. Shuttered businesses, unemployed citizens and disillusion can feed a fire or insurrection quite well.

This is a very nerve-wracking period of history, and hopefully cool heads and policies shall prevail. Containment will be the challenge, as well as thoughtful response to quickly changing dynamics. Anything with a Western influence may become a target.

Tourism will be at a standstill, until some security and safety measures can be provided with some certitude. This is a sad state of affairs, as so much collective history, culture, vibrancy is held captive. We watch with caution and empathy as the chapters unfold, literally country by country.

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