Germany, Austria and Switzerland are top source market for Israel tourism

Friday, March 8, 2024

In a significant move to rejuvenate tourism, Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz made a compelling appeal to international travelers, reassuring them of the safety and welcoming nature of Israel. This assurance came during a press conference at ITB Berlin, where Minister Katz underscored his commitment to reviving the nation’s tourism sector, particularly urging the German government to reconsider the travel advisories for Israel set by the German Foreign Office.

Highlighting Israel’s commitment to visitor safety, Minister Katz referred to the recent accommodations made for the 150,000 residents evacuated from the Gaza Strip border area following attacks. These residents were housed in tourist hotels, a testament to the government’s confidence in the safety of these accommodations. This measure, Katz pointed out, wouldn’t have been considered if there were doubts about hotel security. Since then, about 80% of those displaced have returned to their homes, further indicating a return to stability in the region.

Israel has traditionally been a favorite destination for tourists from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, with these countries leading in the number of visitors to Israel. Ksenia Kobiakov, director of Israel’s government office for tourism, shared statistics that paint a picture of Israel’s tourism landscape pre and post-pandemic. In 2019, Israel welcomed 402,000 visitors from these countries, a number that dipped to 207,500 in 2022 following global travel disruptions caused by the pandemic. The year 2023 started promisingly with 213,302 visitors until tourism was dramatically affected following the events of October 7.

Before the pandemic, Israel saw an influx of 13,000 tourists daily, a number that dwindled to 23 the day after the October attacks. However, recent figures show a gradual recovery with daily arrivals fluctuating between 2,700 and 3,400. Kobiakov expressed optimism for the future, hoping for a steady increase to approximately 9,000 to 10,000 daily visitors.

This effort to boost tourism in Israel is not just about numbers but a testament to the country’s rich cultural and historical heritage, inviting visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and stories. With safety measures firmly in place and a warm welcome extended to international visitors, Israel aims to recapture its position as a premier destination for cultural and historical tourism.

« Back to Page

• Explore Austria’s Shopping Scene: From Designer Outlets to Urban Boutique

• Who Can Get Long Term Five Year Schengen Visa ?

• Emirates teams up with Greece and Austria Tourism Offices to increase visits

• Emirates Marks Milestone in Austria with A380’s Celebrated Comeback

• Top 6 World Destinations Reveals by UN Tourism for 2024