Israel is stepping up efforts to revive tourism from India, aiming to restore Indian visitor arrivals to pre-war levels by 2027 through aggressive marketing campaigns, improved air connectivity, easier visa procedures, and a wider range of travel experiences.
According to the Israel Ministry of Tourism, India remains one of its fastest-growing and most resilient tourism markets despite the setbacks caused by the Israel-Hamas conflict. Tourism officials believe that stronger bilateral ties between India and Israel, combined with enhanced promotional activities, will help rebuild traveler confidence and boost visitor numbers over the next two years.
Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said Israel had experienced one of its strongest tourism recoveries after the COVID-19 pandemic before the conflict interrupted growth. The country now expects Indian tourist arrivals to return to pre-war levels by 2027.
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Before the conflict, around 69,100 Indian tourists visited Israel in 2019. Between January and September 2023, approximately 44,000 Indians traveled to the country before the outbreak of the war significantly impacted international travel. Tourism officials estimate that annual arrivals from India could have exceeded 100,000 visitors if the conflict had not disrupted the sector's growth.
To accelerate recovery, Israel is promoting a broader tourism portfolio beyond its famous religious pilgrimage sites. New campaigns highlight leisure holidays, cultural tourism, gastronomy, wellness, adventure, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions), and luxury travel experiences. Officials believe this diversified approach will attract a wider range of Indian travelers.
Improved flight connectivity, streamlined visa processes, and partnerships with travel trade organizations are also central to Israel's strategy. Tourism authorities say restoring direct air links and expanding promotional collaborations will make the destination more accessible for Indian visitors.
More broadly, Israel has also launched international campaigns to rebuild global tourism by emphasizing safety, hospitality, and the country's diverse attractions, while investing heavily in digital marketing and destination promotion as visitor confidence gradually returns.
