Israel’s Tourism Recovery: Looking Ahead to 2027
Israel is on the path to restoring its tourism numbers, aiming to reach around 69,000 visitors from India by 2027. This expectation comes after facing the significant challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and a recent war that impacted travel.
During 2019, Israel welcomed 65,100 tourists from India. Galit Hoffman, a representative from the Israel Ministry of Tourism, believes that positive marketing efforts will bring numbers back to similar levels in the next few years. She noted that the number of Indian tourists dropped drastically as many nations halted flights due to conflict.
In 2024, Israel managed to attract about 9,600 Indian tourists, with that number increasing to 12,500 in 2025. The revival of international flights is expected to play a pivotal role in this growth. Israir Airlines plans to start direct flights from Tel Aviv to Delhi and Mumbai by April 2026. Additionally, Arkia Airlines is exploring connections to popular spots like Goa and Kochi. Air India already offers direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv.
India ranks as Israel’s eighth-largest source of tourists, and among Asian nations, it holds the top spot, followed by China and South Korea. Due to this importance, Israel is focusing its promotional efforts on major markets this year, including the U.S., U.K., and the Philippines.
Beyond pilgrimage tourism, which remains significant, Israel plans to attract families, couples, and business travelers. One interesting feature for tourists is the e-visa, which can link family members under one application. This aims to encourage family travel to Israel, catering to the needs of those wanting to explore together.
While Israel currently targets its marketing in major cities, it remains open to reaching smaller cities that also have potential tourist traffic. Hoffman emphasized that gaining awareness is the priority now, but they plan to expand their marketing efforts to Tier II and III cities soon.
As the global travel landscape evolves post-Covid, Israel aims to bounce back stronger, highlighting its unique offerings to attract visitors from India and beyond.
For further insights on tourism recovery in the wake of the pandemic, you can read reports from the World Tourism Organization.
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ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM, INDIAN TOURIST IN ISRAEL, ISRAEL, ISRAEL EYES RETURN TO PRE-COVID INDIAN TOURIST LEVELS OF AROUND 69,000 BY 2027
