Corporate groups are increasingly turning to South-east Asia for meetings and incentive programmes as the ongoing conflict raises concerns over security and travel costs in the Middle East.
Muhammad Asghar Shaheen, chief executive of Lahore-based Urdam Tours & Travels, observed that corporate clients are moving events away from the Middle East, while high costs make European trips less viable.
“They may have done a business-events programme in Singapore three years ago, but they would rather do it again than pay such a high price to go to Europe,” he said, estimating groups save around 50 per cent by choosing South-east Asia over Central Europe, despite rising local hotel rates and airfares in the region.
Muhammad Asghar emphasised: “The war has weakened clients’ confidence in the region. Security is the most important consideration for corporates when choosing a destination for their events. Business events are planned at least six months in advance. With no clear end to the war in sight, clients are shifting their events from the Gulf region to other destinations.”
Md Mazharul Islam, chairman of Dhaka-based Discover Holidays, shared similar sentiments, noting that destinations like Thailand, Malaysia, and China hit the mark for both safety and affordability.
However, he pointed out that handling large groups requires better immigration coordination from local authorities, citing a recent 850-delegate trip to Bangkok hindered by long lines.
“If the immigration and other arrival procedures could be made more seamless for large groups, it would make a big difference for us,” Md Mazharul said.
Beyond immigration challenges, Md Mazharul is focused on growth, sharing that he attended IT&CMA and CTW Asia-Pacific 2026 to connect with regional partners and source fresh products for large-scale incentive groups.
Corporate buyers are also making the leap.
Rumi Billimoria, manager at law firm Khaitan & Co – which has offices in major cities in India and Singapore – confirmed the firm redirected internal events from the Middle East to South-east Asia following the conflict, drawn by the region’s reputation for being safe and affordable.
