Middle East travel prices drop while European holiday costs rise

Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East have reshaped the international travel market. Data from TravelSupermarket show that the average price of a week‑long all‑inclusive family package in the United Arab Emirates fell by about 25 % in August compared with the previous year, and Egypt saw an 8 % decline. Similar discounts were reported for Morocco (‑6.5 %), Tunisia (‑2.5 %) and Turkey (‑1.6 %).

At the same time, classic Mediterranean destinations are becoming more expensive. Prices for comparable family packages in Spain, Portugal and Greece rose between 3 % and 5 % in the same period, adding several hundred pounds to a typical week's cost. British tourists, long wary of flying over or visiting the region, have begun to favor European resorts, especially after the UK Foreign Office lifted its travel advisory to Dubai following a US‑Iran cease‑fire agreement. The shift has also boosted interest in alternative European spots such as Montenegro, Malta and Madeira.

Overall demand for summer holidays remains strong. Surveys in Austria and Germany indicate that a majority of respondents still plan travel, with many opting for shorter stays or domestic trips, while the lower prices in the Gulf and North‑African markets aim to attract travellers who might otherwise avoid the region.