Israel Aims to Reclaim Indian Tourist Numbers by 2027

When the COVID‑19 pandemic finally loosened its grip, Israel saw a surge in travellers that many officials called one of the strongest recoveries in its recent history. That momentum, however, hit a sudden roadblock when the Israel‑Gaza war erupted earlier this year.

Amruta Bangera, who heads marketing for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, told PTI in Panaji that the country is already laying the groundwork to get Indian tourism back on track – and she’s aiming for a pretty ambitious target. By 2027, Israel hopes to welcome as many Indian visitors as it did before the conflict, roughly 100,000 a year.

For context, about 69,100 Indians traveled to Israel in 2019, a figure that fell to just under 44,000 between January and September 2023 – the period just before hostilities broke out. The dip was sharp, but the ministry sees it as a temporary hiccup, not a permanent setback.

“Our recovery after the pandemic was among the strongest across all our key source markets,” Bangera said. “Had the war not intervened, we would already be on track to exceed 100,000 Indian arrivals annually.”

The strategy to hit that goal is multi‑pronged. First, the two governments are deepening diplomatic ties, which paves the way for smoother travel arrangements. Second, airlines are negotiating more direct flights, cutting travel time and cost for Indian tourists. Third, the visa process is being simplified – a move that, according to Bangera, should make the paperwork feel less like a chore and more like a formality.

Even in the midst of the conflict, the numbers tell a story of resilience. In 2025, Israel still recorded nearly 13,900 Indian visitors, despite the uncertainty. “Indian travellers continue to pick Israel,” Bangera noted, highlighting a lasting curiosity about the country’s historic sites, vibrant culture, and, increasingly, its beach destinations.

Speaking of beaches, tourism operators in Kerala are already eyeing the possibility of a new wave of Israeli holiday‑makers. The state’s long coastline, backwaters and culinary delights could become a magnet for travelers looking for a different kind of sun‑and‑sand experience.

Bangera stressed that the current lull is viewed as a brief interruption. “As stability returns, we are confident the strong growth trajectory of the Indian market will resume,” she affirmed. With the planned initiatives and a renewed focus on bilateral cooperation, Israel is betting that the next three years will bring a bustling influx of Indian tourists once again.