After three months of upheaval and a further three months of skirmishing amid a shaky ceasefire, specialist operators are reporting a "marked rebound" in booking patterns and conversion rates, with forward sales for 2027 proving particularly robust.
Aito Executive Director Martyn Sumners said there was "no question" the conflict and resulting uncertainty had affected consumer confidence earlier in the year, but claimed the recovery was now gathering pace. "The strength of advance bookings is particularly encouraging," Sumners said.
Aito chief urges agents to turn to operators for knowledge and advice at times of crisis
Travel advice for the Middle East has fluctuated on a country-by-country basis over the last six months. The Foreign Office (FCDO) continues to warn the regional security situation is "unpredictable", although earlier this week it relaxed its advice for Aqaba – Jordan's main coastal tourism destination – following a security review.
Against that backdrop, Aito members say consumers appear to have postponed travelling rather than abandoning their travel ambitions it altogether.
Peter Sommer, owner of Peter Sommer Travels, claimed passenger numbers for 2027 are currently 46% higher than at the same point last year – the strongest level in the operator’s 24-year history.
"We're delighted that it looks as if people are keen to book ahead and plan their travels so early," Sommer said.
Other long-haul specialists are seeing similar results; Susie de Carteret, Founder of Tasmanian Odyssey, said high-yield, last-minute bookings for 2026 were "continuing to surge" following the slowdown between March and June. The company is now projecting year-end profit to be around 35% higher than in 2025.
Odyssey World Managing Director Felicia Severns revealed that after sales fell by around 50% between April and June, the mood had changed dramatically. Customers, she said, are now showing less concern about rising costs and fuel surcharges, with booking patterns and conversion rates "almost normal".
Aito said its members were seeing particularly strong demand for expert-led cultural travel, wildlife holidays and specialist long-haul itineraries – sectors where customers tend to value "expertise, distinctive experiences and detailed itineraries".
Sumners added the trend was an encouraging indication that 2027 could be a particularly strong year for specialist travel, with consumers once again prioritising distinctive, experience-rich holidays despite continuing geopolitical turbulence.