Escalating tensions in the Middle East are dealing a heavy blow to the region’s tourism industry, as flight cancellations, closed airspace, and growing traveler concerns trigger massive losses.

The worsening conflict is costing the Middle East’s travel sector about $600 million every day, The Caspian Post reports via foreign media.

Travelers have been rapidly canceling trips across the region. Data from the analytics group AirDNA shows that more than 80,000 short-term rental bookings were canceled in Dubai alone during the week leading up to March 6.

Before the conflict intensified, the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) had projected that international tourists would spend around $207 billion in the Middle East in 2026, highlighting how sharply the outlook has changed.

“Even short-term disruptions can quickly lead to significant economic losses for destinations, businesses and workers across the region,” said WTTC chair Gloria Guevara.