Monday, October 7, 2024 As Israel enters Jewish year 5785, the Ministry of Tourism reports devastating losses to the tourism sector due to war and the displacement of tens of thousands. As Israel prepares to usher in the Jewish year 5785, the Ministry of Tourism has provided an update on the country’s tourism sector, reflecting on a challenging year marked by war and the displacement of tens of thousands of residents, many of whom have found temporary refuge in hotels. The ministry reports that the nation has suffered significant economic losses, with the tourism industry losing approximately 18.
7 billion shekels (around 5 billion euros), while domestic tourism revenue dropped by 756 million shekels (about 203 million euros). Since the onset of the conflict, Israel has recorded around 853,000 international visitors, primarily from countries such as the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Russia, and the Philippines. The war, however, has effectively halted the tourism sector’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Before the conflict, the country was on track to surpass its 2019 record of 4.5 million tourists, with strong growth in tourist arrivals. Unfortunately, only 3 million tourists visited Israel in 2023, and projections for 2024 predict a steep decline to just 1 million arrivals.
Among the visitors to Israel last year, Jewish tourists accounted for 62%, while Christians, including Catholics and Evangelicals, made up 29%. The primary reasons for visiting were .
