A conflict far from Southeast Asia is already reshaping how, where, and even whether people travel. Flight disruptions, rising costs, and shifting demand are forcing the region’s tourism industry to adapt in real time.

Hannah Pearson, Director at Pear Anderson, joins us to unpack findings from a new report on how the Middle East conflict is affecting Southeast Asia’s travel industry, from cancellations and weaker outlooks to changing travel patterns and emerging opportunities.

As Malaysia pushes ahead with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, what do these disruptions mean for arrivals, connectivity, and the country’s ambitions as a regional hub?

We discuss:

What’s driving cancellations: demand vs operational disruption
Why Europe routes are especially exposed
Where travel demand is shifting across Asia
How businesses are adapting to disrupted connectivity
What this reveals about structural risks in global travel

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