International tourism has suffered an estimated loss of $2.4 trillion in 2020 due to a sharp drop in international travel. A similar loss could occur this year unless the industry is revived via distributing vaccines on a global scale.
Despite Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's call on hotels not to increase prices, some have raised costs by as much as 59%, an analysis conducted by Israel Hayom and Gulliver tourism firm reveals.
Israel Hayom conference focuses on the coronavirus pandemic's impact on the industry – as well as hopes and plans for its revival.
Top officials from the country's tourism sector discussed the future of the aviation sector and Israel's incoming tourism situation.
Israeli travel company Caminos says it will operate five direct flights every Monday from September 6 until October 4, with tickets starting at $995.
Tel Aviv Air plans two weekly flights between Hamburg and Tel Aviv, and plans to offer Economy and Premium Economy options. Tickets slated to go on sale starting in July 2021.
The promotion covers almost all European destinations as well as Dubai, Seychelles and Phuket.
The lure of "forbidden" destinations such as Turkey, Brazil, and Mexico prompts Israelis to find a way around Health Ministry regulations, which turns out to be surprisingly easy.
National carrier El Al expected to follow suit with flights to what was once home to one of the largest and most prosperous Jewish communities in North Africa.
Officials remain cautious about potential new variants. Tourists must show negative coronavirus tests before departing for Israel and take another test upon landing at Ben-Gurion Airport.