As conflict in the Middle East escalates and disrupts air travel, cruises and tours across the region, the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) has issued guidance for travel advisors on its homepage.
The guidance outlines key considerations for advisors with clients traveling to or through affected areas, including monitoring updated travel advisories from the U.S. Department of State, maintaining communication with suppliers and travelers, and preparing clients for potential itinerary changes or delays.
The U.S. State Department has issues a Level 4 (“Do Not Travel”) alert for Iran, Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria due to risks including terrorism, civil unrest and kidnapping.
Elevated advisories are in place for countries such as Jordan, Israel, Saudi Arabia and Egypt due to heightened security concerns.
ASTA’s advisory also stresses the importance of directing travelers to official government resources, including the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), and encouraging clients to carefully review travel insurance policies, as many standard plans exclude coverage for losses related to war or military conflict.
“Travel advisors play a vital role in helping travelers navigate rapidly changing global conditions,” said Zane Kerby, ASTA’s President and CEO, in a media statement. “As tensions in the Middle East affect travel throughout the region, advisors are working diligently to keep their clients informed, prepared and connected to reliable sources of information. ASTA encourages travelers to stay aware of official government guidance, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program and remain flexible as conditions continue to evolve.”
