ISTANBUL

As tensions in the Persian Gulf rise following the joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran, the cruise tourism and transport sectors are suffering in the aftermath, a sector representative told Anadolu.

The closure of airspaces in Gulf countries, the disruption of port activity, and security risks in the Strait of Hormuz created a widespread crisis affecting global travel and cruise tourism.

Thousands of passengers aboard six cruise ships docked at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha ports cannot disembark in the current situation, while the suspension of air traffic in the region add more uncertainty over the possibility of tourists returning homes from trips.

The cruise sector is experiencing one of the most serious crises it has faced so far since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vessels that are stuck docked shoot up operational costs, while voyage cancellations and refunds add more financial burden.

As the cruise season wraps up in the region, vessels cannot reposition to European waters with the way things are in the region, however their inability to return risk chain disruptions in Mediterranean and European cruise trips during summer months.

The Gulf region could experience massive losses in tourism revenues if the military tension continues, while economic activities around cruise tourism and air transportation could continue to be uncertain for a long time.

Steward Chiron, an American cruise tourism expert and founder of The Cruise Guy, told Anadolu that the six cruise ships stranded in the Persian Gulf had to head for Abu Dhabi and Dubai, seeking safe ports amid the conflict.

Chiron stated that cruise firms affected by the conflict made efforts to ensure the safety of passengers and the vessels, but the vessels can depart only when it is decided safe to set sail, while future voyages are being canceled one by one.

He noted that the cruise ships in the Nile River took some early precautions as initial response, while offering flexible cancellation policies and continuing with planned voyages.

Chiron said the economic impact in the region will affect cruise firms in different ways, noting that voyages to the Gulf are not seasonal and not as popular as other regions.

He mentioned that cruise passengers are prone to making last-minute reservations, while cruise firms can move their vessels to other regions if it is deemed safe to try to salvage upcoming voyages by offering alternatives.

Chiron stated that the current cruise season in the Gulf has effectively ended, and the impact of the conflict on the cruise tourism sector will depend on how quickly the military conflict is resolved.

He added that affected cruise companies may shift to safer destinations next season or even cancel the next season to secure their bookings.

*Writing by Emir Yildirim