Is It Really Time to Travel to the Middle East? Yes
It might sound like sheer lunacy to venture back into the Middle East now. Not only due to the events in Tunisia and Egypt. But now governments in Jordan, Syria, Yemen, and Iran are confronting -- with different levels of intensity -- protests and calls for a different form of leader, government and policy.
Shouldn't business travelers play it stay home?
No.
Smart business travelers will look upon these events in the Mideast as opportunities and take calculated risks.
Really.
I've always felt that for business travelers, the best time to visit a country is after a natural disaster, or a revolution or civil disturbance. That's the one time when you will be genuinely welcomed -- and appreciated -- by everyone.
In the end, it all gets down to GDP, jobs and money. The economic engine that drives Egypt most certainly is travel and tourism. They need tourism, and they need business travelers. With banks and stores closed, airlines canceling flights, the travel and tourism sector took between a $1.5 and $2 billion hit. And then there's the time lag between those flights and those business travelers returning, which will most certainly result in another $1 billion hit.
That's just Egypt. What happens in the region ripples through Jordan and Israel almost instantaneously, and their tourism and business travel is suffering.
But one thing is certain: While Egypt now struggles with a caretaker government run by the army and tries to rebuild political infrastructure, what's moving even faster are the attempts to rebuild business travel and confidence.
The Benefits of Traveling Now
Egypt, Israel and Jordan have suddenly become great buyers' markets for smart business travelers. Airfares are down. Hotels are discounting. Business contacts on the ground are more eager than ever to make and close deals.
Should you decide to combine your business trip with some sightseeing, you won't find large crowds or any lines in Giza at the Pyramids, at the temples in Luxor, or at the Great Wall in Jerusalem. Suddenly, Petra is even more beautiful in Jordan because it isn't jammed.
In particular, now is the time to go to Egypt, not just to witness the party in Tarhir Square, but also to understand what you're bringing to the party as a business traveler. It is a win-win situation for all concerned.
Safety on the Ground
As for safety, history indicates that with exceedingly few exceptions, money -- or the promise of new business -- speaks volumes and provides great protection. A country in recovery mode is a country most hospitable in the bigger picture sense.
You are traveling to Egypt and making a statement in the process -- supporting their efforts at democracy, and at the same time fueling their need to play catch up in business. Timing is everything. And that time is now.
Has political unrest ever altered your travel plans? Would you travel to Egypt today if the opportunity arose?
Related:
- Civil Unrest in Egypt: How to Protect Yourself in Overseas Emergencies
- Should Unrest in the Middle East Disrupt Your Travels?
- Hosni Mubarak is Out and Here's What Smart Executives Need to Consider, Fast
