by Lacey Pfalz
Last updated: 2:20 PM ET, Fri April 17, 2026
The World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) President & CEO, Gloria Guevara, issued a statement welcoming Iran’s reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic.
“WTTC welcomes the news regarding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, a critical step in restoring confidence across global Travel & Tourism and the wider economy,” Guevara said. “As one of the world’s most important maritime corridors, the Strait underpins not only energy supply chains but also aviation, cruise operations, and global connectivity.
“The resumption of movement through this key route will help ease pressure on global travel operations and support the continued recovery and growth of the sector,” she continued. “Maintaining reliable, efficient international connectivity remains essential to enabling Travel & Tourism to deliver jobs, investment, and economic growth worldwide. WTTC research has shown that destinations and the wider tourism sector can recover quickly from airspace closures and periods of uncertainty.”
A recent WTTC report found that the U.S.-Israel war on Iran is costing at least $600 million a day in international visitor spending. The Middle East was previously projected to generate $207 billion in international visitor spending this year, prior to the war.
The Middle East accounts for 14% of global international transit, not to mention the Strait of Hormuz’s critical importance for global shipping, the closure of which sent the price of fuel skyrocketing.
The Strait’s closure also sent the price of jet fuel rising, leading airlines to increase fares. Economy seats increased 21%, and premium increased 17% in March, according to ARC’s latest data.
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