Israeli Summer Hotels Cut Prices as Foreign Tourists Stay Away Amid Conflict

As summer arrives in Israel, local hotels are lowering prices to attract domestic tourists amid a sharp decline in foreign visitors due to ongoing conflict. Traditionally, Israelis weigh vacation options between traveling abroad or staying in the country, often facing similar costs. However, this summer, hotel operators across Israel are offering significant discounts to encourage locals to vacation domestically.

While hotel occupancy and prices remain high in resort city Eilat, other regions such as the north, Haifa, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, and Jerusalem are experiencing lower demand and have responded by reducing rates. For example, a family of four at the Vert Hotel in Jerusalem now pays 1,910 shekels per night including breakfast, down from 2,330 shekels last year. Similarly, the Crowne Plaza in Tel Aviv charges 2,590 shekels per night this summer, compared to 3,315 shekels last year.

Yashar Pinto, CEO of Isrotel’s Ayala Hotel in the north, praised the return of guests who specifically choose northern Israel for their vacations, highlighting their appreciation for the region. In the northern Ein Zivan resort village, a midweek half-board package for a family of four including Jordan River rafting costs 1,368 shekels. Meanwhile, Isrotel’s Kadma Hotel charges just over 2,244 shekels for a night for two adults and two children with breakfast.

Shirly Cohen Orkabi, Deputy CEO of Eshet Tours, noted that last-minute deals are abundant, with some vacations for four people available for under 1,000 shekels per night. With Ben Gurion Airport operating at full capacity and flight availability limited, she emphasized that now is an ideal time for Israelis to vacation domestically, support local businesses, and take advantage of unusually low prices.

Summary: Due to reduced foreign tourism amid conflict, Israeli hotels outside Eilat are cutting prices this summer to attract local vacationers, offering significant discounts compared to last year and presenting a strong opportunity for affordable domestic holidays.

Points: - Foreign tourist arrivals in Israel have dropped sharply this summer due to ongoing conflict. - Hotels outside Eilat are lowering prices to attract Israeli domestic tourists. - Family hotel rates in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have decreased by several hundred shekels compared to last summer. - Northern Israel hotels report a strong return of local guests choosing the region. - Last-minute vacation deals for families can cost under 1,000 shekels per night. - Limited flight availability at Ben Gurion Airport encourages domestic tourism.

Topic: economy

Entities: {"people":["Shirly Cohen Orkabi","Yashar Pinto"],"organizations":["Eshet Tours","Isrotel"],"places":["Israel","Eilat","Tel Aviv","Jerusalem","Haifa","Dead Sea","Ein Zivan","Ben Gurion Airport"]}