The long queues, the high prices and the madness around the tourism industry in recent weeks - this is just the beginning towards what is expected of us this coming summer.
Tali Noy, Ista's VP, tells Israel Today about what is expected for the tourism industry this summer and recommends, "It is worth ordering for Sukkot already, prices are going to jump by 20% after Pesach.
"There are not enough planes to meet the demand, the demand exceeds the supply," says Noy.
"The flights are full to capacity, and we expect that those who do not reserve tickets for the summer - will find themselves in a situation where there will be no tickets, or the prices will be unusually high. This happens not only in Israel, but all over the world. In the hotels.Everyone is in a frenzy.The whole world is in a complete frenzy around vacations and around the tourism industry.
"Another thing that affects prices and demand is the business tourism that is returning in a big way. We are seeing a significant opening in recent months, and all together creates a situation of very high demand compared to the relatively limited supply. Preferred destinations are Turkey, Greek islands, Italy, Dutch holiday villages, USA of course.
"Dubai is full of orders by the end of April, and I expect that Sharm el-Sheikh will also be strengthened."
Aircraft at Ben Gurion Airport, Photo: Photo: Coco - Archive
Unlike what we have known lately, vacationers choose to book their vacation in advance to avoid the high prices, and the trend can be seen in travel agencies.
"People are currently changing their behavior patterns, no longer buying tickets for the next few days. We are seeing more bookings for the summer, for a few months ahead. In the Corona period people have booked at least three weeks ahead, and now we are seeing accumulation of bookings for July and August. , Explains Noy.
The madness will begin after Passover
ISTA's VP explains that another trend that is growing in Israel is the issue of cruises.
MSC and Royal Caribbean will operate summer cruises to very attractive destinations, and the prices are very reasonable.
A full week cruise will cost about $ 700, which includes meals and mooring at all destinations.
"There are quite a few Israelis who fly to Barcelona, for example, and sail from there to amazing destinations on the largest ships in the world. It is also significantly cheaper than regular vacations: about $ 1,800 per vacation, about $ 250 per person per night. Demand for summer is very high. About 20% on current prices that are already high. Even those who agree to pay the high prices, will in many cases have to compromise on flights that are not exactly suitable for him or on various hotels that he did not plan to sleep in. Demand is so high that everything is filling up. There are no places, and I recommend booking holidays as early as Rosh Hashana and Sukkot. "
The industry is recovering
Noy mentions that "the tourism industry has captured a market in the last two years. I hope we all increase manpower and the service will improve: from tourism companies, through airports to airlines. Chances are we will see longer queues than we saw, but we are all learning and trying to make it happen." .
Were we wrong?
Fixed!
If you found an error in the article, we'll be happy for you to share it with us
