General04:41 · Jul 10

Israelis Rediscover Diverse US Destinations Beyond New York Amid Easier Travel Rules

MakoCenter

Translated & summarized from Mako by baba

Key points

01ESTA entry system simplifies US travel for Israeli biometric passport holders, boosting arrivals.
02Israeli tourists increasingly visit Florida, California, Las Vegas, and natural parks, not just New York.
03New York remains the top US destination for Israelis due to its cultural and urban attractions.
04Israeli arrivals to the US rose 17% in the first five months of 2025 compared to the previous year.
05Spontaneous bookings and ground tours combining multiple US and Canadian destinations are growing.
06Tour operators are enhancing accessibility for travelers with disabilities in the US.

In this story

People

Yoni Waxman, Dvir Abu, Eyal Bar

OrganizationsOphir Tours, National Travel and Tourism Office, Amsalem Tours, Mako

PlacesUnited States, New York, Florida, Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas, California, Washington

The story · English

In 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of American independence, more Israelis are traveling to the United States, exploring a wider range of destinations beyond the traditional New York City visit. The introduction of the ESTA electronic travel authorization for biometric passport holders has simplified entry, making US vacations more accessible and flexible than ever before. This ease of travel, combined with changing booking habits, has encouraged Israelis to discover places like Florida, Orlando, Miami, Las Vegas, California, and natural parks in the western US.

Travel experts highlight the US's vast variety of vacation options, from urban experiences in New York and Las Vegas to family-friendly cruises in Florida and road trips across the country. Yoni Waxman, deputy chairman of Ophir Tours, notes that Americans can enjoy diverse holidays within one country, with destinations catering to different interests such as history, entertainment, and nature. New York remains the most popular destination for Israeli tourists due to its unique combination of shopping, dining, cultural events, and vibrant city life.

Data from the National Travel and Tourism Office (NTTO) for the third quarter of 2025 shows that New York, Los Angeles, Orlando, Miami, and Las Vegas accounted for 67% of international flight arrivals to the US. Israeli travel patterns have shifted, with a 17% increase in arrivals during the first five months of 2025 compared to the previous year. The ESTA system has removed significant barriers, enabling more spontaneous bookings and attracting families, business travelers, and tourists who previously avoided the US due to visa complexities.

Additionally, there has been a notable rise in ground tours and multi-destination trips, including popular itineraries combining New York, Canada, Niagara Falls, Washington, Philadelphia, Hershey, and Amish country. Tour operators are also adapting to the needs of travelers with disabilities by providing accessible vehicles and services. Overall, the US continues to be a top destination for Israeli tourists, offering a broad spectrum of travel experiences beyond the iconic cityscape of New York.

Read the original at Mako