Tour Companies Cancel Israel Departures through End of 2023
by Dori Saltzman /With Hamas attacks on Israel ongoing, at least two tour companies have opted to cancel all travel to the country for the remainder of 2023.
Collette
Collette was the first tour operator to announce it was cancelling all departures to Israel through the remainder of the calendar year. Future departures for January 1, 2024 and beyond will be evaluated “well in advance of travel.”
“We are deeply saddened by the events that transpired in Israel over the weekend, and we hope that the Israeli people will be able to quickly bring safety, security, and stability back to the region,” said Jeff Roy, executive vice president at Collette.
He added that for departures starting after January 1, 2024 the company will “make operating decisions for these tours at least 60 days in advance of travel.”
All affected travelers will receive a full refund.
TTC Tour Brands
TTC Tour Brands, which includes Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Contiki, and others brands, extended its cancellations (originally scheduled through Nov. 1) to Dec. 31, 2023.
“We are deeply saddened by the current situation unfolding in Israel,” the company said in a statement. “Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone in the affected areas.”
See what other travel-related companies have made changes in response to the Hamas attack on Israel.
Perillo Tours
Perillo is actively working to reschedule upcoming private group departures up to and including dates into February 2024. Alternative destinations and refunds have also been offered to affected guests.
Kensington Tours
Kensington has suspected travel to Israel through the end of October. Bookings after that date are being dealt with “on a case by case basis.”