CATO gives update about travel to the Middle East amid ongoing conflict

CATO gives update about travel to the Middle East amid ongoing conflict
Edited by Travel Weekly


    The Council of Australian Tour Operators has released an official statement about travel to the Middle East amid the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel.

    Please find an official statement from CATO below:

    Israel & Palestinian Territories

    We are incredibly saddened by the terrible situation unfolding over the past days in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Our thoughts are with all of the innocent people impacted by these events.

    As an industry focused on building connections and understanding between cultures we condemn all violence and hope that peace soon prevails.

    As soon as the news broke, impacted CATO members acted immediately to ensure the safety of their passengers and staff within Israel and suspended all upcoming tours to ensure no new clients would be entering Israel at this time.

    These actions were some 30 hours ahead of the increase of travel warnings through the DFAT Smartraveller system. This highlights the proactive approach of CATO members who base their decisions on multiple data sources including their on-ground teams and agents. Booking through an Australian-based CATO member provides the highest level of support for Australian travellers and travel agents.

    At this stage travel to Israel will remain suspended for some time. Travel agents and travellers should check with individual CATO members for the latest information on travel to Israel.

    Egypt and Jordan

    Both Egypt and Jordan remain open to visitors with all tours operating as scheduled. Security measures generally in each country have been increased but all hotels and tourist sights are open and operating as normal.

    October marks the start of the high season for travel to both Egypt and Jordan with travellers from all over the world coming to experience the wonders of the ancient world, the incredible natural scenery and the warmth and rich culture of the local people. This includes a large number of Australians travelling with CATO tour operators and wholesalers.

    CATO members are reporting that Australian travellers currently in Egypt and Jordan are continuing to enjoy their tours as normal.

    Whilst Israeli tourists in Egypt have returned back to Israel there are no reports of significant cancellations from any other markets.

    Travel agents and travellers are advised to check with their CATO tour operator or wholesaler for any further updates.

    (Featured Image: Map of the Middle East – iStock/FrankRamspott)

    Latest News

    • Cruise

    P&O rescues Rotary volunteers after collapse of Air Vanuatu

    P&O Cruises Australia has answered a plea for help from a group of young Australian Rotary volunteers, stranded in Vanuatu following the collapse of Air Vanuatu. The students, many of them teenagers from Albury, NSW, were volunteering for a youth project run by the Hive Rotary Club Australia when the airline abruptly cancelled all flights, […]

    • Destinations

    Intrepid continues expansions with launch of first DMC in Jordan

    Intrepid has increased its presence in the Middle East with the opening of its first destination management company in Jordan. Based in Amman, the local team will operate Intrepid’s range of nine experiential small group tours in Jordan from this summer, with a view to expanding the range for 2025 and beyond. Zina Bencheikh, managing […]

    • Appointments

    Minor hotels appoints Puneet Dhawan to key Asia role

    Global hotel owner and operator Minor Hotels has appointed Puneet Dhawan as head of Asia as the group plots its growth in Asia and India. From July, Dhawan will be responsible for the performance of all Minor Hotels properties in Asia, working in close collaboration with the Minor Hotels senior leadership team and will report […]

    • Appointments

    Abercrombie & Kent and Crystal appoint Evon Ler to director of sales, Asia

    Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group have announced that Evon Ler will join them in the new role of director of sales, Asia. She will work closely with Tony Archbold (VP, Sales, APAC, Crystal) and Susan Haberle (VP, Sales & Partnerships, APAC, A&K) with trade support across the region. Ler comes to the A&K family with more […]