THE Iranians are going to control the Strait of Hormuz as much as they can, said Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) chairman Peter Semone.
Mr Semone made the comment during a panel discussion on Global and Regional Tourism Trends and Data at the 2026 SPTO (South Pacific Tourism Organisation) Industry Day in Nadi on Tuesday.
“In terms of aviation, we need to hope that there is going to be some sort of a resolution to what’s going on in Iran, and particularly the Hormuz Strait,” Mr Semone said.
“Because if there is a choke hold on gas moving through the Strait, then for sure the fuel prices are going to increase.
“And I just read on the Economist that it is (increasing to) as much as $US200.
“If that happens there is an issue of accessibility. You won’t be able to fly over that airspace so that will add additional flying time, plus the additional fuel costs.”
Mr Semone said the aviation industry would become exorbitant.
“I think the whole tourism industry globally – and even more so in places like the Pacific – is completely held hostage by what’s happening.
“From the American side, it is not even clear what the objective is but the Iranians for sure are going to control that Strait of Hormuz as much as they can.
“So unfortunately, we are in a pretty bad situation and all of us are victims to that and the Pacific even more so than other regions.
“So, I’m not actually optimistic.”
