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Flying Into The Fire: Statistics Reveal Surging Tourism Figures Despite Ongoing Wars

American tourists taking a picture for memory with happy military group girls in the Old city of Jerusalem, Israel. (Photo: © Tottoto/Dreamstime.com)

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By Akerele Christabel

December 18, 2023
5:01 pm
Los Angeles, CA

Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel experience varying realities of tourism despite conflicts. Against all expectations, tourism figures in war-torn regions are experiencing a surprising surge. From the contested shores of Taiwan to the battlefields of Ukraine, travelers are flocking to areas engulfed in conflict. This alarming trend stands in defiance against the conventional wisdom that war and tourism are incompatible. This seemingly contradictory trend raises intriguing questions about the motivations of these intrepid travelers and the ethical implications of seeking leisure amidst turmoil. While some are drawn by the allure of adventure and unique experiences, others prioritize specific areas within war-torn countries deemed relatively safe. In Taiwan, despite escalating tensions with China, the government aims to attract tourists with relaxed visa policies and targeted marketing campaigns. On June 30, 2023,

Taiwan, Ukraine, and Israel experience varying realities of tourism despite conflicts.

Against all expectations, tourism figures in war-torn regions are experiencing a surprising surge. From the contested shores of Taiwan to the battlefields of Ukraine, travelers are flocking to areas engulfed in conflict. This alarming trend stands in defiance against the conventional wisdom that war and tourism are incompatible.

This seemingly contradictory trend raises intriguing questions about the motivations of these intrepid travelers and the ethical implications of seeking leisure amidst turmoil. While some are drawn by the allure of adventure and unique experiences, others prioritize specific areas within war-torn countries deemed relatively safe.

In Taiwan, despite escalating tensions with China, the government aims to attract tourists with relaxed visa policies and targeted marketing campaigns. On June 30, 2023, Taiwan extended its visa-free entry policy for Filipinos. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced:

“After evaluating the effectiveness of the above convenience measures over the past years and considering the need to revive mutual bilateral exchanges and tourism in the post-pandemic era, participating agencies decided to extend the trial visa-free entry measure for one year for nationals of Thailand, Brunei, and the Philippines from August 1, 2023.”

A Reuters report indicates the industry’s optimism for a rebound, fueled by pent-up demand and China’s potential reopening. This is despite the frequent encroachment on Taiwanese airspace by the Chinese air force, an attempt by the Chinese government to ratchet pressure on the island nation.

China sees the self-ruled island as a part of its territory and insists it should be unified with the mainland, by force if necessary. The island has its own constitution, democratically elected leaders, and about 300,000 active troops in its armed forces. However, only a few countries recognize Taiwan. Most recognize the Chinese government in Beijing instead.

The US has no official ties with Taiwan but does have a law that requires it to provide the island with the means to defend itself. All of this did nothing to stall the influx of visitors to Taiwan. In 2023, Taiwan received roughly 20 million international visitors, according to the Tourism Bureau of the Ministry of Transportation and Communications of Taiwan.

Similarly, pockets of tourist activity have emerged in safer parts of Ukraine. CNN reports on the return of tourists to Kyiv, drawn by the city’s historical sites and cultural attractions. The streets of Kyiv are busy, like most days before the war. If not for the sandbags, barricades, and air raid alerts punctuating the peaceful landscape, one would find it difficult to believe the nation is at war.

On the flipside, data showed a decline in Israel’s tourism records. Visitors to Israel slid to 39,000 last month versus 99,000 in October and 370,000 in November 2022. Before the war, which began on October 7 when Hamas gunmen rampaged through Israeli towns, monthly tourism numbers were typically above 300,000.

Over the first 11 months of the year, there were 3.19 million visitors, up from 2.57 million a year earlier, the Central Bureau of Statistics said.

Since the start of the war, demand for travel to Israel has dropped. Most foreign airlines have suspended flights, leaving Israeli carriers El Al Airlines (ELAL.TA), Arkia, Israir, and a few others flying to and from Tel Aviv. At the same time, the number of Israelis traveling abroad in November dropped to 149,000 from 645,000 a year ago. From January to November, 8.8 million Israelis traveled abroad, versus 7.7 million in the same period in 2022.

While the economic benefits of tourism are undeniable, ethical concerns remain. Critics argue that tourism can inadvertently benefit those profiting from the conflict and contribute to the normalization of violence. Additionally, the potential for negative publicity poses a significant threat to the future of tourism in these regions.

Ultimately, the decision to visit a war-torn region lies with the individual. Weighing potential risks and ethical considerations against the desire for unique experiences and adventure is complex. Finding the right balance between economic necessity, individual freedom, and responsibility is crucial for the future of tourism in these volatile areas.

As tourism figures continue to rise in war-torn regions, it becomes clear that our understanding of travel motivations and risk tolerance is far more nuanced than previously thought. While some seek thrills, others seek solace in history and culture. Only time will tell how this trend evolves and how the global community grapples with the ethical complexities of tourism in the shadow of conflict.