Escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran are sending ripple effects across the globe, including in the travel industry.
LACKAWANNA COUNTY, Pa. — Flights are taking off, and suitcases are rolling, but behind the scenes, some uncertainty.
“These global conflicts, travel does not stop. So we just have to pivot in the event that something happens or interrupts one of our trips,” said Matthew Kizis.
At TravelWorld in Scranton, it’s their busiest season. As tensions escalate between the U.S. and Iran.
“Believe it or not, even with the global conflict that’s happening over in the Middle East right now and what happened over in Mexico, travel is still booming right now. People want to get away, and they don’t have to go to those specific places, obviously, but it’s very busy all over the world,” said Matthew Kizis, TravelWorld owner.
The U.S. State Department has issued its highest-level warning, urging Americans not to travel there and advising those in the country to leave, if possible.
That conflict is also affecting airspace across parts of the Middle East, forcing some airlines to reroute or cancel flights.
“Luckily, we do not have any travelers going to the Middle East at this time, nor do we have anybody there. But in the event that somebody does want to travel, we’re obviously going to make sure they do it in a safe way at a safe time,” said Kizis.
TravelWorld owner Matthew Kizis says he encourages buying travel insurance as these global tensions shift. And the travel company will work with you if issues arise. “We’re your advocate, so we’re always there to make sure your flights are on schedule. If not, we pivot. If there’s a delay with your hotel, we’re there to make sure that everybody is safe and sound in the event something happens. When you book with a travel agency, we are by your side the entire time, from the time you’re interested in the trip until you return home from the trip,” he said.
As the travel boom continues, even during uncertainty across the globe.
“There’s other parts of the world that we can travel to. So, don’t be discouraged in what’s going on in the Middle East and in Mexico because there are plenty of other places where you can travel and have a nice vacation,” said Kizis.
