Rising oil prices will affect the global tourism industry, says tourism ministe

KUCHING, June 19 2026: The rising oil prices, brought about by the on-going conflict in the Middle East, will have some impacts on the global tourism industry,  Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, analysed.

Caption: Tourism Minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah says that the tourism sector is one of the most sensitive industries to global geopolitical developments as it depends on tourist confidence, economic stability and travel costs.

He said it will affect the operating costs of various sectors including transportation, logistics and aviation which are important components of the tourism industry.

“Oil prices can trigger a domino effect on many other sectors. When oil prices increase, it will affect various aspects of the economy and ultimately also affect the tourism industry,” he told reporters after officiating the János Xantus 200th Birth Anniversary Commemoration Programme at the Sarawak State Library today,

He stressed that the tourism sector is one of the most sensitive industries to global geopolitical developments as it depends on tourist confidence, economic stability and travel costs.

He hoped that all diplomatic efforts and negotiations being carried out by stakeholders could produce a lasting solution to ensure peace and stability in the region.

“What we hope is that peace can be established because stability will benefit all parties, including the tourism industry which depends on a peaceful and conducive global environment,” he said.

He stressed that world geopolitical peace and stability are not only important for global economic growth, but are also a key factor in ensuring that the tourism industry continues to grow sustainably.

He said the current situation in the MIdle East is still difficult to predict because it not only involves Iran and the United States, but is also influenced by various other geopolitical factors that have their own interests in the region.

According to him, despite various diplomatic efforts towards resolving the conflict, current developments still need to be monitored closely as the situation can change at any time.

“It is not easy to make predictions because the situation can change from time to time. It does not only involve Iran and the United States, but also involves other parties who have their own interests in the conflict,” he said.