Tourism Down 21% in Israel Since the Start of Operation Protective Edge

Reports confirm that tourism is down in Israel due to Operation Protective Edge.

According to the report, which cites Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, July saw a 21% decrease in tourism, which is normally the peak month for Israeli tourism.

Facing the lowest number of visitors in over five years, Israel’s annual budget will take a hit in the upcoming year.

According to TLV Faces, many European countries have been issuing travel warnings to citizens encouraging them to stay more than 40km away from Gaza and other areas of conflict. The U.S. and Canada have also both issued warnings to travelers telling them to keep away from areas of conflict if it can be avoided.

Despite Israel’s economic hit, the country still plans to encourage tourism in the upcoming year. According to Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau, “Israel is preparing for the ‘day after’. The Tourism Ministry is planning to invest in marketing campaigns in target countries around the world in order to encourage incoming tourism.”

The country is also keeping positive on the tourism front as the numbers have been increasing for the January to July season, since 2011.