Gaza war interrupts tourism recovery for Israel and neighbors

Al-Monitor Pro Members

David Rosenberg

Israeli reporter specializing in business, economics and politics

Jan. 17, 2024

The Israel-Hamas war has taken a toll on the Middle East and North African tourism industry in concentric circles centered on the Gaza war zone. Israel and the Palestinian areas have been the most severely affected, followed by Lebanon, Egypt’s Sinai resorts and Jordan. Elsewhere in the region, there has been no impact. While the intensity of fighting in Gaza is expected to decline over January, the downturn in international tourism to Israel and its immediate neighbors is likely to continue into the first half of the year. The risk of the conflict spreading remains relatively low despite growing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. Although fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border will probably continue into 2024, it should reach a low enough intensity not to deter tourists from returning by the summer season.