Middle East conflict forces Southeast Asia’s pivot to travellers from the region, but gaps remain

AI Summary

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is shifting Southeast Asia's tourism dynamics, prompting countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and Thailand to focus more on regional travelers. Tour operators are increasing intra-Asia travel offerings to adapt to the challenges posed by rising costs and airspace restrictions.

Countries like Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand are recalibrating their tourism strategies, while tour operators have ramped up intra-Asia offerings as airspace restrictions and rising costs weaken long-haul demand.