The Ministry of Transport announced this week that this summer there will be record passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport, with more than 5.5 million passengers passing through the airport during July-August. If this happens, the upcoming summer season will break the records set in 2019, before the global coronavirus crisis.
The congestion at Ben Gurion Airport is definitely felt by those traveling abroad, so it is not for nothing that it is necessary to arrive at the airport about 3 hours or even more before the flight. Over the years, the state has determined that it intends to build a complementary airport to Ben Gurion Airport, and even had a plan to build an airport in Ramat David, but so far the issue has not been promoted and passengers, as far as they are concerned, are stuck in traffic at the main exit gate from Israel.
Haifa Port (archive), photo: Michelle Dot Com
In the background of the situation at Ben Gurion Airport, the cruise trend is thriving in Israel. Vacation cruises leaving Israel have experienced very significant changes recently, and today no less than 6 different companies take passengers from the shores of Haifa to destinations throughout Europe. Haifa Port reports that it expects a record number of 150 cruises to depart from the port this year, in which about 600,70 passengers and tourists will sail – an increase of more than <>% compared to last year.
The success of the cruise companies in Israel has created interest in the global cruise industry, which has led to more and more companies beginning to court the Israeli tourist. Now, luxury companies that account for about 20% of the global cruise industry, which generate about $9 billion a year, are joining the field.
Sanorama Aviation Links announced this week that it has signed an exclusive agreement for representation in Israel with Swan Hellenic and another agreement for representation in Israel with the luxury company Explora Journeys. In doing so, the companies join the other luxury brands represented by the company, including Oceania, French Ponent and Silvercy Cruises, the luxury brand from Royal Caribbean.
Increase in demand among Israelis. Royal Caribbean Cruise (archive), photo: PR
Unlike popular cruise brands, luxury cruise lines boast luxury ships valued at billions of dollars, which invest considerable resources in creating a unique hospitality experience that combines Michelin-class restaurants, wide lounges with luxury alcohol alongside unique entertainment shows, while visiting exotic destinations around the world that cruise lines usually do not reach.
"There is a demand from the public for additional types of vacations in the cruise world," says Udi Schnabel, CEO of Norma, "so the decision by the luxury companies, which are aimed at a market segment of vacationers defined as premium, to operate in a relatively small market such as Israel, is a significant statement that shows the business potential that exists in Israel and as a bridge that Israeli companies see for activity in the entire region."
He added: "Sanorama data shows that more than 120,<> Israelis vacation on cruises around the world every year, and that there is a growing audience of vacationers from Israel who are looking for luxury cruise vacations, more than what the large cruise companies offer. The trend connects to the global trend of an experienced audience in the cruise world, constantly looking for unique experiences."
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