"You'll Regret Not Buying Now"... Minister Urges Travelers to Purchase Airline Tickets Quickly

Spain, a leading tourist destination, has advised those planning to travel to the country to purchase airline tickets as soon as possible, citing the possibility of rising ticket prices due to higher oil prices stemming from the aftermath of the Iran war.

According to foreign media reports on the 27th (local time), Jordi Hereu, Spain’s Minister of Industry and Tourism, announced that the number of tourists who visited Spain last year reached 97 million, a 3.5% increase compared to the previous year.

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However, Minister Hereu expressed concern in an interview with the Spanish newspaper Expansi?n that an increase in airfares due to rising fuel costs could dampen tourism demand.

Minister Hereu stated, "The aviation fuel currently used by airlines was purchased in the past, so there are certain price fluctuation factors," adding, "I recommend buying airline tickets now."

He went on to say, "It is clear that prices have already risen, and this could affect demand," and added, "Authorities in Spain and Europe are taking measures to prevent fuel shortages."

Since the United States and Israel attacked Iran on February 28, global crude oil supply disruptions have caused oil prices to rise by about 50%.

The environmental organization Transport & Environment stated in a report last week that the increase in oil prices has led to a rise of more than $100 in long-haul flight fares departing from Europe.

Minister Hereu explained that Spain, the fourth-largest economy in the eurozone (21 countries using the euro), has larger aviation fuel reserves and production capacity than other countries. However, he noted, "If countries that send tourists to Spain encounter problems, we too will be affected."

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