The resumption of flights from two major American airlines to Israel marks a pivotal shift in the landscape of Middle Eastern travel. United Airlines and Delta Air Lines have both announced plans to restart their daily services to Tel Aviv from the New York metropolitan area, with targeted return dates of March 15 and April 1, respectively. This decision is a significant indicator of returning confidence in the region post-conflict, as the travel industry cautiously navigates its way back to robust operations following the outbreak of war on October 7, 2023, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack.
Travel operators are taking a measured approach as they rekindle their offerings in Israel. ETS Tours, a key player in Holy Land excursions, has adapted by scheduling monthly group departures for smaller contingents—15 to 20 travelers—while anticipating a return to the brisk pace of up to 60 tours per month seen before the conflict. Business Development Vice President David Welch has expressed optimism, indicating that the heightened interest represents “unprecedented” demand. This surge among potential travelers has led the company to project a bounce back to pre-war booking levels by the spring of 2026, a reaffirmation of the resilience of both the industry and travelers’ desires to experience Israel.
Ronen Paldi, president of Ya’lla Tours USA—a company specializing in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern tours—has noted a positive trend in interests for travel to Israel, particularly from the Thanksgiving period onward. The company is already witnessing an influx of bookings, with demand extending well into 2026. According to Paldi, the approaching Passover and Easter holidays are anticipated to trigger a significant increase in travel inquiries, as consumers begin to lift their cautious stance. However, while there’s a growing eagerness to explore Israel, he acknowledges a lingering attitude of “wait and see,” suggesting travelers are still somewhat hesitant amidst the region’s instability.
Moreover, Tauck, a leading travel operator, plans to launch its 14-day Israel and Jordan itinerary in September, with more departures anticipated in 2026, indicating a long-term commitment to the region’s recovery. In stark contrast, while Israel witnessed a remarkable 1.3 million North American tourists in 2019, the turmoil of 2023 saw a drop to 1.1 million visitors, reflecting the steep decline in travel during the crisis. Although the Israel Ministry of Tourism hopes for recovery, forecasting varied timelines and efforts to stimulate interest via a $60 million investment into local tourism infrastructures, the return to pre-war tourism numbers remains uncertain.
The larger picture reveals a mixed bag of sentiments among travel operators. Companies like Intrepid, G Adventures, and Collette remain cautious, suspending trips to Israel as they reevaluate their travel offerings. The enduring unrest has compelled operators to explore alternatives, with Morocco and Egypt emerging as desirable options for North American travelers. Ya’lla Tours has reported a notable uptick in bookings to Turkey and Greece—30% to 40% and 75% increases, respectively—indicating travelers are pivoting away from Israel temporarily.
The anticipated influx of tourists back into Israel will not only depend on flights resuming but also on the reassurances regarding safety. The U.S. State Department’s updated advisory in January urging Americans to reconsider traveling to Israel due to terrorism risks and possible civil unrest exemplifies the barriers that could slow recovery. Even amid this cautionary tone, Paldi remains hopeful, asserting that “Israel is opening its doors very slowly but surely.”
Despite current uncertainties, the tourism sector in Israel is displaying a commendable sense of resilience. With new developments—like modern hotels, eateries, and cultural exhibits—emerging in the tourism infrastructure, the groundwork is being laid for a rejuvenated travel scene. Amid the darkness of recent conflicts, the tourism community’s optimism shines as a testament to their resolve in promoting future travel opportunities to Israel. As the global tourism environment continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether the anticipatory waves of interest and the optimism of operators like ETS Tours and Ya’lla will translate into a significant upturn in visitors. Without a doubt, the outlook is cautiously ecstatic, poised between hope and reality as travelers consider the rich cultural, historical, and spiritual tapestry that Israel offers.