Spain and Portugal are seeing a sharp rise in late spring and summer travel bookings as tourists avoid destinations affected by conflict in and around the Middle East. Flight bookings to Spain have jumped 32 percent compared with last year, with hotel searches up 28 percent, while Portugal has recorded increases of 21 percent in flights and 16 percent in hotel searches.

Travel analysts report a clear shift away from the Middle East and parts of the eastern Mediterranean, where cancellations have increased following recent violence. Spain, already one of the world’s most visited countries, appears to be the main beneficiary of travelers seeking perceived safe-haven destinations.

Spain’s tourism industry has slightly raised its growth forecast for the year, estimating that diverted tourists could add billions of euros to the sector. Airlines are increasing seat capacity, particularly from the United States and Britain, and hotel groups expect higher occupancy rates, especially in areas farther from conflict zones such as the Canary Islands.

However, industry leaders warn that the outlook remains uncertain. Higher fuel costs and disruptions at Middle Eastern transit hubs could limit gains, and much will depend on developments in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments.