Tourism returns just in time for summer as the number of passengers to Ben Gurion Airport continues to grow, reaching a post-pandemic record of 22,500 travelers last week. In 2019, the average daily total was more than 115,000 passengers, yet after a full industry shutdown, the increasing number is a signal of positive return.
Most travelers were Israelis leaving the country, yet as of July 1, Israel is expected to ease incoming foreign traveler restrictions. To date, anyone entering Israel has required special permissions, and a long process to receive approval to do so. Organized groups are currently approved, yet soon individual travelers will be able to re-enter Israel. Current talks from the Israel Ministry of Tourism is that only the vaccinated from specific countries will be allowed entry.
In April, then Tourism Minister Orit Farkash-Hacohen proposed a four-part plan in order to spark foreign tourism in Israel once again, which was at its highest point before crashing with COVID-19. She plans to roll out a global campaign, starting in Dubai, London, and New York, incentivize flights to Eilat, and resume large international events.
“We want to breathe oxygen back into the tourism economy of Israel, and Israel has the advantage as a healthy, vaccinated country…Israel today is a world leader in safety and health, and we will make sure every potential tourist knows this when planning their summer or winter vacation. We cannot miss this opportunity – and as minister of tourism I won’t.”
