The security situation in the Middle East has so far not led to mass cancellations of tourist trips from Bosnia and Herzegovina to that region, but travel agencies note increased caution among travelers, while some planned trips have been suspended as a precaution.
According to information from travel agencies, no large number of cancellations of arrangements have been recorded so far, but some agencies have temporarily suspended some departures, especially to Dubai, as a precaution, until the security situation stabilizes. They point out that the caution of travelers is most often seen through additional inquiries about safety and possible changes to travel plans.
Wartime events are also reflected in air traffic, primarily through changes in timetables and flight routes. Airlines adjust flight schedules, while travel agencies regularly communicate with partners and carriers to provide travelers with timely information and organize return trips in case of changes.
For travelers who express concern or want to change their travel plan, agencies offer alternative destinations, most often in European cities. As a substitute, Paris, Rome, Barcelona, Amsterdam or Istanbul are most often chosen, and there is also a greater interest in destinations in Spain, Portugal and Italy.
The tourism sector states that at the moment it is difficult to assess the long-term effects on tourism trends. It is possible that some travelers will temporarily postpone their trips or opt for closer and safer destinations, but it is expected that the interest in traveling to the Middle East could recover relatively quickly after the situation stabilizes.
Experts from the tourism industry also warn that the current conflict represents a serious disturbance for tourism and air traffic, because in situations of war events, flights are often canceled and schedules changed. In such circumstances, airlines are obliged to refund passengers for canceled flights, but additional compensation is generally not mandatory.
In the tourism sector, they also point out that Bosnia and Herzegovina does not yet have a fully harmonized legal framework with European passenger protection standards, which is why the rights of consumers in certain situations are less defined than in the countries of the European Union, writes RTV Slon.
