From 5 Million to 1.29 Million: Incoming Tourism Collapsed by 75% in 2026

Following the second round of war with Iran in March (Operation Lion's Roar) and the subsequent halt of flights to Israel, the first half of 2026 has become a 'lost half-year' for the incoming tourism industry. Tourist overnight stays in Israeli hotels decreased by approximately 5% compared to the first half of 2025, when Operation 'With a Lion Cub' took place in June.

This is according to a report published today by the Israel Hotel Association. Tourist overnight stays in January-June 2026 totaled only about 1.29 million. While this is higher than the 971,000 recorded during the peak of the 'Iron Swords' war in 2024, it represents a total collapse compared to the pre-war period of 2023, when overnight stays reached 5 million—a 75% decline.

Domestic tourism also saw a 9% decrease in the first half of 2026 compared to 2025, totaling 7.2 million nights. However, this remains 6% higher than in the same period of 2023, suggesting that Israelis are choosing to vacation locally rather than flying abroad amidst ongoing security instability.

Regional Occupancy Rates

National average hotel occupancy in the first half of 2026 stood at 44%, down from 50% in 2025 and 63% in 2023. Herzliya was the only city to record higher occupancy levels than in the first half of 2025.

• Herzliya: 70%

• Eilat: 66%

• Dead Sea: 48%

• Netanya: 43%

• Tel Aviv: 40%

• Haifa: 38%

• Jerusalem: 31%

• Tiberias: 29%

• Nazareth: 19%

Israel Hotel Association CEO Hagar Sharan stated: "Incoming tourism has almost completely disappeared since October 7 and is failing to recover, which directly harms the hotel industry, particularly those oriented towards international tourists." The Association added that domestic tourism has not been able to compensate for the loss, and they are calling for government assistance to help the industry survive this difficult period.