Israeli occupation faces unprecedented collapse in tourism sector

OCCUPIED PALESTINE, May 16 (YPA) – Tourism in the Israeli occupation entity has been facing a severe crisis since the start of the Israeli aggression on Gaza on October 7, 2023, with tourist numbers declining by more than 90% compared to previous years.

According to estimates by the “Makan” Channel, the tourism sector’s losses exceeded 12 billion shekels (about $3.5 billion).

This decline is due to the near-total cessation of international air traffic due to the Sanaa forces’ ban on Ben Gurion Airport (Lod Airport), travel warnings issued by dozens of countries, and the ongoing security instability.

The Hotel Association reported that hotel occupancy rates have dropped to less than 10% in some areas, compared to 80% previously during the same seasons, with many hotels and tourist facilities closing or reducing their operations.

Sector workers warn that the effects of the crisis will continue even after the war ends, noting that “the damage to Israel’s image as a safe tourist destination poses a major challenge to rebuilding trust with international tourists.”

YPA