Pandemic no longer Israeli tourism's top problem
The Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as China maintaining strict COVID-related travel regulations, could present obstacles to a tourism recovery in Israel.
After being closed for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Israeli inbound tourism sector has reopened. In early March, the government approved the entry of tourists, including the entry of unvaccinated visitors subject to testing upon arrival.
Local tour operators are expressing cautious optimism. The number of coronavirus cases have recently risen again, and senior Health Ministry officials have already hinted that in the event of a significant rise, some restrictions, including closing the airport to incoming tourists, could be reinstated.
The forced shutdown of the Israeli tourism sector followed a record year. In 2019, Israel hosted 4.6 million tourists, a 10.5% jump compared to 2018 and an all-time high. Revenue from inbound tourism that year reached 23 billion shekels ($6.5 billion).
According to tour operators, the characteristics of Israeli tourism will help the sector recover relatively quickly. Danny Amir, chairman of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, explained to Al-Monitor that Israel is not only considered a safe destination but also enjoys "committed tourism." Amir said, "We returned to operations a few weeks ago and are seeing huge demand. Pilgrims want to come to Israel, and the advantage of these types of tourists is that they do not cancel their travel plans but only postpone them."
