Israel Bets on Indian Tourism Recovery, Targets Pre-War Numbers by 2027

Israel expects tourist arrivals from India to return to pre war levels by 2027, driven by stronger marketing, improved air connectivity, a streamlined visa process and deepening bilateral ties, according to the Israel Ministry of Tourism. The target reflects Israel's confidence that Indian travel demand will rebound as the regional security situation stabilises.

Speaking in Panaji, Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said Israel recorded one of its strongest post pandemic recoveries before the Israel Gaza war interrupted growth. Around 69,100 Indian visitors travelled to Israel in 2019, while nearly 44,000 Indians visited between January and September 2023 before the conflict. Had the war not intervened, Israel believes it would have crossed 100,000 Indian visitors annually. In 2025, despite the conflict, the country still welcomed nearly 13,900 Indian travellers, underlining the resilience of the Indian market.

Bangera said direct flights between India and Israel remain the biggest opportunity for accelerating tourism. While no nonstop services are currently operating, major international airlines have resumed flights to Ben Gurion Airport, and Indian travellers continue to reach Israel through Middle Eastern hubs. She expressed optimism that Indian and Israeli carriers would restore direct connectivity in the near future.

The ministry is also broadening Israel's appeal beyond religious tourism, highlighting culture, heritage, gastronomy, wellness, luxury travel, adventure tourism and its expanding MICE infrastructure. Officials said Indian travellers had already begun shifting towards leisure and experiential travel before the pandemic, and that trend is expected to strengthen as the market recovers. India remains one of Israel's priority tourism markets, supported by steadily expanding strategic and people to people ties between the two countries.