The responses reflect a dynamic landscape—where uncertainty is driving new travel choices, reshaping demand, and opening emerging opportunities for both inbound and domestic tourism.
Compiled by Priyanka Saxena Ray & Shreya Shimpi
Rohit Shorey
Founder & CEO, Kazin DMC
From our perspective, if demand for parts of the Middle East softens, Indian outbound travel is likely to shift more toward Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. These destinations are attractive because they offer a strong combination of accessibility, value, cultural depth, nature, and premium experiences. At the same time, given the current airspace disruptions around Iran and the impact on regional connectivity, travellers are likely to prefer destinations perceived as more operationally stable and easier to access from India. Recent reporting also indicates wider disruption to routes across Central Asia and the Caucasus because of Iran-related airspace tensions, which makes reliability and routing a bigger decision factor for travellers right now.
In general, no market really benefits from a war situation because geopolitical instability creates uncertainty for travellers, impacts confidence and can disrupt the wider tourism ecosystem. However, India could see some support for domestic tourism, as some travellers may choose to replace or postpone international trips and instead opt for shorter, safer and more flexible holidays within the country.
In terms of immediate traveller behaviour, we are seeing people become more selective and risk-aware rather than risk-averse. Greater attention is being paid to safety, connectivity, flexibility and destination stability. Booking windows in some segments are becoming shorter, and travellers are leaning toward destinations that combine ease of access with strong experiential value. For the travel trade, this makes agility, transparent communication and destination diversification more important than ever.
Himanshu Patil
President, OTOAI
Middle east effect is causing damage to tourism for sure. People are not opting to flying over gulf and that is clearly impacting travel sentiment in the short term. However, travel to Europe is going on, and destinations like Japan are getting popular—it has been on an upward streak for the last few years. At the same time, Vietnam, Cambodia, Bali, Thailand and Singapore are doing well, and China is also picking up gradually.
Once all this is over, I am confident that Dubai will come up fast, maybe within a month or so once there is a complete stop. I am sure that inbound will also pick up with stability returning to the region.
Unfortunately, 2025 summer was already impacted because of Pahalgam and Air India disruptions, and this year also summer looks tough. The situation has made travellers more cautious, and while demand exists, confidence is getting affected, leading to shifts in destination choices and travel planning timelines.
Ravi Gosain
President, IATO
The current geopolitical developments are certainly influencing outbound travel patterns, with Indian travellers becoming more cautious and selective. While some Middle Eastern destinations may see a temporary softening, we expect strong traction towards Southeast Asian countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, driven by ease of access, affordability, and familiarity. Additionally, destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Central Asia, and parts of Europe are witnessing increased interest, particularly among travellers seeking unique and experience-driven itineraries.
For India, this evolving global environment presents a strategic opportunity. As a safe, diverse, and year-round destination, India can position itself as a preferred alternative in the global tourism landscape. There is a strong need for enhanced international marketing, improved air connectivity, and simplified visa processes to fully leverage this opportunity. Domestically, such uncertainties typically encourage travellers to explore within the country, leading to growth in regional tourism, short-haul travel, and niche segments such as wellness, spirituality, adventure, and heritage tourism.
We are already observing shifts in traveller behaviour, with a clear preference for destinations perceived as safe and stable. There is increased demand for flexible booking policies, travel insurance, and a noticeable trend towards shorter booking windows. The industry is responding proactively, and while geopolitical challenges create short-term disruptions, they are also opening new avenues for growth and diversification.
Riaz Munshi
Managing Director, N. Chirag
With a likely softening in demand for certain Middle Eastern destinations, we anticipate a shift towards short- to medium-haul alternatives such as Southeast Asia including Thailand, Vietnam, Bali, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and Japan, along with parts of Europe. These destinations offer a compelling mix of value, ease of visa access, and diverse experiences—from leisure and wellness to culture and nature. Additionally, countries that have actively simplified visa processes or enhanced air connectivity with India are expected to gain stronger traction in the coming months.
In recent weeks, we have observed a cautious yet adaptive traveller sentiment. While there is some hesitancy around certain regions, overall travel intent remains strong. Booking patterns indicate shorter lead times, a preference for flexible cancellation policies, and a tilt towards safer, well-connected destinations. Travellers are also increasingly prioritising value, curated experiences, and travel insurance, reflecting a more informed and risk-aware approach.
Abbas Moiz
President – TAFI National Managing Committee
Although demand for Middle Eastern destinations may decrease, the impact extends beyond just travel to these countries. These nations have served as crucial transit hubs connecting travellers to the rest of the world. Due to ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, an increase in oil prices and a fall in the value of the rupee, there is now little or no remaining capacity on other carriers for the upcoming outbound travel season at a reasonable cost.
We are seeing heightened interest towards the east. Southeast Asia has long been a favourite destination for Indians, thanks to convenient travel connections and the option of visas on arrival. Japan is also becoming increasingly popular, but due to high demand, its visa process now takes longer and requires scheduling an appointment. The stumbling block is going to be the carrying capacity of the airlines operating to and from India.
The only considerable benefit India will derive is from keeping its travellers at home. Inbound tourism, apart from the weather, will also face similar challenges as outbound tourism. This is the time and opportunity to repair and renew our tourism infrastructure. Air travel has been heavily affected, with prices rising because of fuel costs and limited capacity. Uncertainty makes travellers reluctant to leave their comfort zones unless necessary.
BA Rahim
Founder, OA Globe
Middle Eastern destinations are extremely important markets for Indian outbound travel—not only as destinations but also as key transit hubs to Europe and CIS countries. With the current situation, leisure and MICE business to these destinations has dropped to less than 10%. Tourism requires safe travel, especially MICE, and we are seeing a significant spike in business to China as an alternative. Singapore and Malaysia are also emerging as preferred short-haul MICE and leisure alternatives. Overall, the Far East and Asia are witnessing a rise in both leisure group series and MICE movements.
No country has a clear advantage in the current scenario; the tourism industry has been impacted to the maximum extent possible. Due to the situation, many MICE groups are opting for domestic destinations within India, as we are considered one of the safest countries for tourism. Inbound travel from Europe has been affected and is likely to improve only once the Middle Eastern situation stabilises.
FIT travellers are shifting towards short-haul and island destinations such as Maldives, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, and Bali. B2B players have quickly responded by introducing attractive group tour packages to destinations like China, Vietnam, and the Far East, adapting to evolving demand and traveller preferences.
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