Germany’s largest travel group, TUI, expects the tourism market in the Gulf region to recover once the conflict in Iran ends. “As soon as peace is restored, hotels and airlines will try to win customers back with special offers” said CEO Sebastian Ebel to “Der Tagesspiegel”. He added that, after a few months, the tourism business would again settle into normal levels.
At present TUI has suspended all travel packages to the affected areas because of the escalation in the region. Nevertheless, many independent travelers are already planning to vacation in Dubai. Some hotels are even offering discounts of up to 80 percent, a move that “some want to take advantage of” explained Ebel.
Before the war began, TUI had agreed on a partnership with Oman. The plan involved building and operating five hotels in the Dhofar region of southern Oman, and giving Oman an entry into TUI’s operations. Oman had sought a 1.4 percent stake in the German company. While the project has been delayed, Ebel says it has not been abandoned. Originally, the plan was to launch by 31 March, but the current crisis makes that impossible. Oman requested a suspension; however, Muscat’s signals indicate only a postponement, not a cancellation.
