With two major U.S. airlines set to resume flights to Israel this spring, tour operators are cautiously reintroducing itineraries to the region amid growing demand from American travelers.
The war between Israel and Hamas, sparked by the militant group's October 7, 2023, attack, had largely halted leisure travel to the country. However, a January 19 ceasefire agreement, along with plans from United Airlines and Delta Air Lines to restart daily service to Tel Aviv from the New York area on March 15 and April 1, respectively, has renewed interest in visiting Israel.
ETS Tours, a Holy Land tour operator, has been gradually reintroducing trips, with small group departures starting last spring. Before the conflict, the company operated as many as 60 Holy Land tours per month during peak season. Due to rising demand, ETS plans to expand its offerings in May, with expectations to return to prewar booking levels by spring 2026, according to David Welch, the company’s vice president of business development.
United and Delta’s commitment to resuming flights "reassures us in our decision to move full steam ahead," Welch said.
Ya’lla Tours USA, a tour operator specializing in travel to the Mediterranean and Middle East, has also noted a rise in demand. Company president Ronen Paldi, who lives in Tel Aviv, said interest in travel to Israel picked up around Thanksgiving. The company has received multiple bookings per week, with confirmed tours scheduled through 2026.
Paldi anticipates a surge in travel starting in April, coinciding with the Passover and Easter holidays. "There is still an attitude of wait and see, but the wait is becoming very short," he said. "We're seeing there's a lot of interest, a lot of requests, a lot of desire to be able to travel."
Luxury tour operator Tauck is planning to relaunch its 14-day Israel and Jordan itinerary with five departures in September and an additional eight in 2026.
Israel's Tourism Sector Seeks Recovery
Israel recorded 1.3 million visitors from North America in 2019, a record high. While 2023 was on pace to surpass that number before the October attack, the year ended with 1.1 million North American arrivals.
Tourism levels in 2024 remain uncertain, with Israel reporting 962,000 arrivals so far—68% lower than in 2023. However, a 44% year-over-year increase in December offers signs of recovery, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
To support the industry, the ministry has pledged $60 million for tourism infrastructure and struggling businesses. The investment will fund 55 projects, including new attractions such as laser shows in Eilat and monument illumination in Jerusalem.
"Our community is incredibly resilient, and the news of a ceasefire and the ongoing return of hostages continues to bring us hope for a peaceful future," said Yael Golan, interim tourism commissioner to North America. She emphasized that Israel has continued to develop new hotels, restaurants, and museums despite recent challenges.
Travel Shifts to Other Destinations
Not all tour operators are ready to return to Israel. Companies such as Intrepid Travel and Collette have paused trips indefinitely. G Adventures is still evaluating whether to resume its Israel offerings, with a spokesperson stating that the company is assessing how its products align with its commitment to community tourism.
Meanwhile, other destinations in the region have seen an uptick in visitors. Intrepid reported that Morocco and Egypt were top-selling destinations for American travelers in December. Ya’lla Tours USA observed a 30% to 40% increase in bookings to Turkey last year, while Greece experienced a 75% jump. River cruise lines have also continued operating Nile sailings in Egypt.
ETS Tours has seen similar trends, with Welch noting that Greece, West Africa, and Turkey have absorbed bookings that might have otherwise gone to Israel.
Despite growing interest in Israel, travel advisories remain a concern. In January, the U.S. State Department urged Americans to reconsider travel to Israel due to terrorism and civil unrest.
However, Paldi remains optimistic. "Israel is opening its doors very slowly but surely," he said.
