Middle East Update – WTTC urges close cooperation between governments, private sector

As the US and Israel continue their strikes on Iran, with Israel also targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon, the industry continues to assess the impact the conflict is having on global travel.

In a statement to Travel Press Today, the World Travel & Tourism Council’s President and CEO, Gloria Guevara said that: “WTTC is closely following the impact that the current tensions in the Middle East are having on travellers, businesses and communities across the region and beyond. The safety and wellbeing of travellers and those working across the Travel & Tourism sector must always remain the highest priority.”

Guevara observed that: “At times such as these, close cooperation between governments and the private sector is essential. WTTC’s Members and partners are working together to prioritize safety, share information and support travellers and communities affected by disruption.”

WTTC’s President and CEO pointed out that: “Travel & Tourism has consistently demonstrated its resilience in the face of global challenges. As a vital force for connection, economic stability and mutual understanding, the sector continues to adapt and respond responsibly during periods of uncertainty.”

And Guevara continued: “WTTC stands alongside the global industry in supporting safe and responsible travel, while encouraging stability that enables Travel & Tourism to continue contributing positively to economies and communities worldwide.”

IATA

On the airline side, IATA Director General, Willie Walsh said that: “We all hope for an early peaceful resolution to the current hostilities. In the meantime, it is critical that states respect their obligation to keep civilians, and civil aviation free from harm.”

MSC Cruises charters flights for passengers

As previously reported, MSC Cruises has been working on the safest and quickest way to repatriate its guests on the MSC Euribia.

Now the cruise company “has taken decisive action to accelerate this by launching a dedicated flight operation that currently includes five charter flights with the first flight planned to depart today, Thurs., March 5.

These flights will see close to 1,000 guests leave the region by Saturday.

In parallel, MSC Cruises is pursuing every available pathway for the remaining guests — including commercial flights, further charter options and coordinated government-assisted solutions.

Looking for transport

The Canadian government continues to work to secure transportation for Canadians who want to leave the region.

Officials indicate that there are over 106,000 Canadians currently in the Gulf Region and of those, 3,500 have now asked Global Affairs Canada for assistance in leaving the area.

The situation is a complicated one due to the closing of much of the region’s airspace and the fact that Canadians are spread out in various countries in the Gulf states.

In a post on X – https://x.com/i/status/2029569908644675770 – Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand said that: “For Canadians who wish to depart the Middle East and Gulf region, we are working to facilitate your departures via: Charter flights; Block bookings of seats on commercial flights; and Ground transportation services when it is safe to do so.”

Minister Anand’s post continued: “Canadians requiring assistance can contact the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre at +1-613-996-8885 or [email protected]. We strongly encourage Canadians abroad to continue registering with the Registration of Canadians Abroad (ROCA) to receive up-to-date information rapidly.