Israel Says it is ‘Open, Safe and Ready to Welcome Tourists’

The Director General of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is inviting tourists to return, with a ceasefire agreement in place with Iran and increasing prospects of a ceasefire in Gaza.

“I am reaching out to convey a clear, reassuring and well-founded message that you may share with your clients, who may be hesitant about visiting Israel during this period,” wrote Dani Shahar in a letter addressed to ‘Our Partners in the International Tourism Industry.’

“Tourism in Israel is renewing itself with a firm commitment to traveller safety. Organized tours currently taking place throughout the country are conducted with uncompromising attention to safety, well-being and traveller comfort.”

Shahar says the renewed activity is also reflected in flight schedules as leading international airlines begin to restart routes to Israel.

“At this time, it is possible to visit Israel while maintaining the highest standards of a quality and safe travel experience. Tourist and heritage sites in Israel are open to the public, and Israeli tourism professionals are eagerly awaiting visitors,” Shahar added.

Thriving prior to the pandemic, Israel’s tourism industry shut down along with the rest of the world. Then came the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas and the resulting ongoing war in Gaza. Small steps had been made toward recovery when the 12-day war with Iran once again put the country in the spotlight.

The Ministry of Tourism has stated that tourism to Israel has declined by close to 80% since the October 7 attack. Domestic tourists helped keep the lights on, but even they disappeared when the war with Iran started.

Amit Magal, owner of Nocturno, a whimsical three-storey compound in Jerusalem that includes a café and restaurant, live performance space, and shops, told The Jerusalem Post that he was cautiously optimistic about a ceasefire. He has operated the business for 30 years, with many ups and downs along the way, but notes that the last few years have been particularly difficult.  

“We have seen a lot of situations during the years, but I think the past five years have been by far the worst. Starting with COVID, which was like a worldwide thing, and then October 7.”

Magal says poignantly: “Tourism is something that we remotely remember.” 

Still, recovery has to start somewhere, and sometime, and Director General Shahar remains optimistic.

 “On behalf of the Government of Israel, the Ministry of Tourism, and members of the Israeli tourism industry, I would like to strengthen your confidence and say clearly: Israel is open, safe and ready to welcome tourists from around the world – responsibly and safely.”