Israel’s tourism sector is showing impressive resilience and growth, particularly from the Indian market. Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, shares insights on the present outlook and future plans for Israeli tourism.
Tourism Trends and Insights
Bangera highlighted that Israel’s tourism market is on the rise, with India emerging as a key player. By September 2023, Israel had welcomed approximately 41,800 Indian tourists, compared to 65,100 in 2019. From January to July 2024, Israel saw 6,500 Indian visitors, while globally, the country welcomed 603,600 tourists during the same period without any promotions. Despite uncertainties about travel in Israel, these figures demonstrate a strong recovery. Notably, 50% of Indian visitors come from South India, with significant numbers also arriving from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kochi, Hyderabad, and Kolkata.
India’s Strategic Importance
Bangera emphasized that India is a crucial market for Israel, ranking among the top four markets, alongside the US, UK, and the Philippines. Recent surveys indicate a strong and positive inclination among Indians to visit Israel.
Efforts to Educate and Expand Tourism
To enhance knowledge about Israel and diversify tourism, Bangera mentioned ongoing initiatives such as webinars, seminars, and presentations for the travel trade. Pilgrimage tourism is growing, currently representing approximately 48% of the market. However, Israel aims to broaden perceptions by promoting not only pilgrimage but also other attractions, such as MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) itineraries and agricultural tours.
Promoting Diverse Experiences
Bangera noted that while pilgrimage is a significant aspect of tourism, Israel offers much more. Plans are in place to encourage visitors to explore various facets of the country. For instance, Tel Aviv is highlighted as a vibrant city with a lively nightlife, appealing particularly to younger travelers. Jerusalem also offers nightlife options that many might not be aware of.
Connectivity and Visa Process
Regarding connectivity, Bangera acknowledged the suspension of Air India flights, which had previously been highly popular and fully booked. However, there are plans to resume these flights, and other airlines are showing renewed interest in Israel.
On the visa front, Israel is addressing the concerns related to lengthy processing times, which currently take about 10 working days. To facilitate travel, an e-visa program is being introduced, starting with India. This initiative aims to simplify and expedite the visa process, with a pilot program expected to launch by the end of the year.
