Despite the ongoing war against Hamas, Israel's Ministry of Tourism reported in January that Israel had reached 34% of the number of North American tourists in the same month in 2023.
“More than one in three North American tourists are willing to travel,” said Chad Martin, director of the Northeastern United States for the Israel Ministry of Tourism. “These numbers are surprising and encouraging.” .”
In some cases, who the visitors are is a mystery even to the ministry.
“I don't have a full profile of it. I don't even know every group that attends,” Martin said. “This group is sprouting from the ground. It’s grassroots.”
The Israel-Hamas war has sparked protests, debate and anger around the world on both sides of the conflict. Among those who support Israel, there are many who show this by visiting Israel at unlikely times, showing a strong will to travel in solidarity.
“Most of it comes from a base of people who have been to Israel,” Martin said. “And they want to show support and volunteerism. This is a journey to come to contribute. They're not just coming to say, 'We're here.' They're saying, 'How can we help?' “
A few travel groups say they will soon increase their numbers and plan to resume trips to Israel this spring.
Many large travel companies have canceled tours to Israel for half or most of 2024. Tauck's spring departures have canceled all Israel tours until May, Collette's until June, Intrepid's until August and G Adventures has canceled all Israel tours until December.
The biggest challenge in resuming travel arrangements is the continued lack of air transport from the United States. Most European airlines, including Lufthansa and British Airways, have resumed service to Israel, but American airlines have not. United is scheduled to return with its Newark-Tel Aviv service in March.
Delta and American Airlines have not announced a return to Israel, but Martin said “all existing airlines have expressed interest in resuming service from New York-area airports to Tel Aviv at some point in April.” They seem to know that there is strong demand for direct flights. Fly despite the current situation.”
Israel's flagship aircraft carrier, El Al, has operated from every U.S. military base since the start of the war. In April, El Al plans to begin twice-weekly flights from Fort Lauderdale and add more flights from Los Angeles, Boston, New York and Newark.
Travel agencies are jumping in again
Additional flight availability is one of the reasons Ya'lla Tours is resuming tours to Israel this spring.
“Starting today, most European airlines, low-cost and scheduled airlines, are returning to Israel, and by May all U.S. airlines will also do so,” said Ronen Paldi, president of Ya'lla. “If airlines decide Israel is safe to fly, why wouldn’t tourists fly there?”
Martin says hotel accommodation is now “tricky” due to the thousands of Israeli refugees, especially in the budget segment. Reservations are available at the most popular luxury hotels in the U.S. market, he said.
Ya'lla is one of a small group of tour operators resuming tours to Israel this spring.
Another company is Mejdi Tours, a Florida-based operator that offers “socially conscious group tours,” usually led by Israeli and Palestinian guides. The company will resume tours to Israel from March 9 with a new six-day itinerary called Israel and Palestine Beyond the Headlines.
Kim Passy Yoseph, Mejdi's director of operations, said she wanted to counter what she sees as a growing number of tours exploiting recent tragedies from a one-sided, pro-Israel perspective.
“At this time, no company is brave enough to provide further explanation,” Joseph said. “Everyone is so obsessed with their own story and the idea that one side has to be right. And they are going on a journey where they only focus on one side.”
Mejdi calls the trip “a mission to bring tourists together with guides, experts, communities, families and organizations to look beyond the headlines to better understand what's happening on the ground and to support people in their ongoing quest for more justice.” A peaceful future.”
Ya'lla plans to resume regular touring in May. Paldi said a one-day extension would be offered to guests on the tour who would meet local journalists who covered the war. With permission from the Israeli military, the addition will also bring guests to southern Israel, where several communities have been abandoned by conflict.
Paldi said he hopes the visit will highlight the damage inflicted on the communities most affected by the attacks and that he will not promote or promote the extension. Select interested guests and decide why they want to go. “We are waiting for them to approach us,” Paldi said. “I want to make sure they’re not just doing it to take a selfie, they’re really interested and have a lot of empathy.”
