Nearly 28 million trips from Mideast at risk this year due to Iran war, research note says

March 19 (Reuters) - Nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East are at risk this year as a result of the disruption caused by the war launched by the United States and Israel on Iran, according to a research note from Oxford Economics.

• "Almost 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East are at risk this year as ongoing air travel disruption and economic impacts take hold," the British economic advisory and research firm's Director of Global Forecasting Helen McDermott and Senior Economist Jessie Smith said.

• Europe is especially exposed, accounting for 60% of the lost trips, added Smith.

• Turkey, France and the UK particularly vulnerable as they typically take a higher share of Middle East visitors.

• The war will lead to greater "regionalisation" in travel as consumers view local destinations as safer options, said Oxford Economics' Tourism Economics team.

• European destinations such as Spain, Portugal and Greece will benefit, while Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia also present alternative destinations.