By SCM Staff Writer I Saturday, Nov.01, 2025
THE WAR in Gaza has triggered an economic catastrophe for Israel’s tourism industry, with revenues plummeting by a massive 75 per cent, a top boss has warned.
The dramatic downturn is being blamed on a “negative image” around the world that is scaring tourists away from the Holy Land.
Israel, a nation that once welcomed over 4.5 million tourists a year, has seen its visitor numbers crash to just one million in 2024.
This staggering drop has blown a hole in the economy, wiping out billions in crucial revenue.
The Director of Tour Operators for Israel, Yossi Fattal, issued the stark warning, revealing the scale of the crisis.
He stated that inbound tourism is a major source of jobs, accounting for 15 per cent of the market and providing 80,000 jobs to the Israeli economy.
The sector used to generate a massive 25 billion shekels annually – equivalent to around £5.4 billion.
”We warn of the continued decline in revenues from inbound tourism,” Fattal said.
He stressed that the biggest challenge now is trying to convince tourists to return in the numbers seen before the conflict.
The staggering 75 per cent fall in visitors means the industry is now struggling to survive as the crucial cash flow dries up.
The tourism sector represents 3 per cent of the nation’s GDP, making the slump a huge blow to the country’s finances.
