Middle East Conflict Potential To Trigger Domino Effect On Tourism Industry
KUCHING: The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has the potential to impact the global tourism industry if the unfolding geopolitical tensions disrupt the stability of the world oil market and international economy.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah explained that the current situation remains difficult to predict because it does not only involve Iran and the United States, but is also influenced by various other geopolitical factors with their own interests in the region.
According to him, despite various diplomatic efforts toward a conflict resolution, current developments still need to be monitored closely given that the situation can change at any time.
“It is not easy to make predictions because the situation can change from time to time. It does not only involve Iran and the United States, but also involves other parties who have their respective interests in the conflict,” he said.
He said this when asked to comment on the matter after officiating the János Xantus 200th Birth Anniversary Commemoration Programme at Pustaka Negeri Sarawak on Friday.
Dato Sri Abdul Karim stated that peace in the Middle East is highly crucial because any prolonged instability can directly affect world oil prices, thereby triggering wider implications for the global economy.
According to him, a rise in oil prices typically impacts the operational costs of various sectors, including transport, logistics, and aviation, which are vital components of the tourism industry.
“Oil prices can trigger a domino effect on many other sectors. When oil prices increase, it will affect various aspects of the economy and ultimately influence the tourism industry as well,” he said.
He emphasised that the tourism sector is among the industries most sensitive to global geopolitical developments as it relies on tourist confidence, economic stability, and travel costs.
In relation to that, he hopes all diplomatic efforts and negotiations currently being undertaken by stakeholders can yield a lasting solution to guarantee peace and stability in the region.
“What we hope for is that peace can be established because stability will benefit all parties, including the tourism industry which depends on a peaceful and conducive global environment,” he said.
He highlighted that world peace and geopolitical stability are not only important for global economic growth, but serve as key factors in ensuring the tourism industry continues to expand sustainably. — UKASnews
