Israel expects Indian tourism to bounce back to pre-war levels by 2027, driven by better marketing,air links and a streamlined visa process . Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing at Israel Ministry of Tourism, shared this at an event in Panaji on July 25, 2026.
Before recent conflict, Israel's tourism had been recovering well post-COVID. In 2019, some 69,100 Indians visited. But numbers fell to about 44,000 from January to September 2023,just before Israel-Gaza war. Bangera said they were on track for over 100,000 Indian visitors a year before war hit .
Despite hurdles, Bangera remains optimistic. "As stability returns, we are confident that strong growth trajectory of the Indian market will resume," she stated. Ministry's projections rely on ongoing recovery and initiatives aimed at getting Indian visitor numbers back up.
In 2025, Israel saw around 13,900 Indian tourists,showing interest remains strong even during turmoil. Bangera said this resilience shows Israel's lasting appeal among Indian travelers.
Air links are crucial for growth. No direct flights between India and Israel now, but major airlines have started flights to Ben Gurion from various places. Bangera noted both Indian and Israeli airlines are eyeing this market,hinting at possible positive changes in air travel .
Lack of direct flights a challenge,but Indian travelers can still reach Israel through easy connections. Bangera pointed to how Israel's tourism offerings have evolved over past decade,now appealing to wider range of interests. "Our focus has been on positioning Israel as destination with more than one type of travel experience," she remarked .
Israel's appeal goes beyond history and religion. Bangera said the country is also known for its culture,food,wellness and adventure tourism. This variety aims to attract different travelers year-round.
Before pandemic,travel patterns shifted, with more Indians choosing leisure trips, MICE travel and experiential journeys. This reflects changing preferences among Indian tourists looking for varied experiences.
Religious tourism remains key to Israel's strategy given its spiritual draw. But ministry also aims to broaden appeal by highlighting vibrant cities,luxury and top-notch MICE infrastructure. Bangera reiterated goal of continuing this diversification as market recovers .
As Israel works to revive tourism,emphasis on diverse experiences aims to draw more Indians. Hope for future is strong…will ties between two nations speed up recovery?
