The current war in the Middle East has significantly impacted Spain's tourism sector, particularly as the Holy Week approaches. Before the outbreak of hostilities, tourism bookings were reported to be exceptionally strong, with anticipations of being 35% higher than the previous year, according to Santiago Vallejo, the Vice President of the Tourism Board. However, following the military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, the momentum in advance travel bookings has stalled, leading to concerns within the industry.

Tourism experts suggest that despite the troubling circumstances, the situation is not as dire as during the pandemic. César Gutiérrez, President of the Federation of Business Associations of Territorial Travel Agencies in Spain (FETAVE), noted that although travelers are likely to be more cautious and postpone their travel decisions, the impact of the conflict will not deter tourism as severely as the COVID-19 crisis did. Industry insiders maintain a cautious optimism that while the expectations may have been lowered, the potential for a satisfactory Holy Week experience remains.

As the conflict continues to unfold, the unpredictable nature of international affairs poses ongoing risks to tourism, an essential component of Spain's economy. The industry is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a swift resolution that could restore confidence among travelers. Stakeholders emphasize the importance of adapting marketing strategies to reinforce travel confidence during these uncertain times, indicating potential shifts in consumer behavior as safety becomes a primary concern.