The Comeback of Israel Tourism: A Look Ahead to 2026

After a challenging period that reshaped travel across the Middle East, Israel’s tourism industry is finally breathing again. From bustling hotel lobbies to tour buses rolling through the Negev, the country is experiencing a quiet but steady revival. Travelers planningIsrael trips are increasingly confident, signaling a strong resurgence. It’s an exciting time for anyone who has long dreamed of exploring the Holy Land.

A Slow Start That Turned Into Real Momentum for Israel Tours

Israel’s recovery didn’t happen overnight. Instead, it’s unfolding organically, with several encouraging shifts occurring simultaneously. Travelers who had postponed their Holy Land tours are rebooking, and local cafés and streets in Jerusalem and Jaffa are gradually filling with visitors again. Hotels that had spent months at minimal occupancy are welcoming guests, and tour operators report an important trend: confidence is returning. People aren’t just asking, “Is it safe?” anymore-they’re securing dates, finalizing itineraries, and dreaming about experiences that go beyond sightseeing, including highly personalized Israel tours.
Recent indicators of this comeback are clear: the growing number of flights from the U.S. and other countries, along with the wave of new hotels set to open in 2026, show that Israel’s tourism industry is not just recovering but gaining momentum. These developments set the stage for travelers to enjoy more options, greater convenience, and renewed confidence when planning their journeys.

The Return of Flights Felt Like a Turning Point

One of the clearest signs of recovery is the return of major U.S. airlines to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. After months of reduced service, the skies are busy again, helping rebuild traveler confidence.

Key U.S. airlines flying to Israel from the U.S.:

El Al – Dozens of weekly departures from New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Boston.
United Airlines – 21 weekly flights:
- Newark (EWR) → Tel Aviv (TLV): 2 daily flights
- Chicago (ORD) → Tel Aviv (TLV): 4 flights per week
- Washington Dulles (IAD) → Tel Aviv (TLV): 3 flights per week
Delta Air Lines – As of early 2026, 3 daily flights to Israel from the U.S.: 2 from New York (JFK) and 1 from Atlanta (ATL). A new daily flight from Boston (BOS) will begin in late 2026, increasing the total to 4 flights per day.
American Airlines – Daily nonstop flights from JFK, restarting March 2026.

“The return of flights and new hotel openings show that Israel’s tourism industry is steadily recovering,” says Noam Matas, owner of America Israel Tours. “We expect 2026 to be a positive year for tours to Israel, and we’re ready to help travelers explore the country safely and comfortably.”

The sense of momentum is tangible. Travelers are no longer hesitant—they’re excited. For many, seeing these flights resume feels like a personal invitation back to the Holy Land.

New Hotels, New Possibilities – Fresh Accommodation Moves Across Israel

Israel’s hospitality sector is evolving alongside tourism. Fattal Hotels, one of Israel’s largest hotel groups, plans to open eight new hotels across the country in the next year, adding more than 1,000 rooms nationwide.
Recent and upcoming hotels

Bazaar Hotel, Jaffa – 104 rooms, opened April 2025; blending historic atmosphere with modern design
Nucha Hotel, Jerusalem – 86 rooms, adults-only, rooftop pool, opened 2025
Yacht Hotel, Herzliya Marina – 327 rooms, opening 2026
Reception Hotel – ~75 rooms, opening 2026
Nordau Hotel – Renovation & reopening, 2026

These new accommodations reflect a broader trend: travelers can now choose from boutique city-center stays, luxurious coastal resorts, or immersive, design-forward hotels – this variety adds flexibility, comfort, and style.But Fattal isn’t the only player expanding – several other major chains are also actively launching or renovating properties, adding variety and strengthening the accommodation landscape for visitors.

Notable recent and upcoming hotels from different chains:

Gymnasia Hotel (by Isrotel) – 145 rooms, opened March 2025 in Tel Aviv, with a rooftop pool and modern urban‑hotel amenities.
Daroma Hotel (Isrotel) – 128 rooms, reopened mid‑2025 after major renovation, offering a desert‑style hotel experience near the Ramon Crater.
Kayma Hotel (Isrotel’s Exclusive Collection) – a luxury resort on the shores of the Dead Sea, slated to open 2025, with suites, spa and infinity‑pool amenities.
Roxon Red Sea Eilat (Fattal Hotels) – an adults-only hotel opened late 2024 in Eilat with 168 rooms, offering beach access and modern amenities for leisure travelers.

This broader spread of new and renovated hotels – from urban Tel Aviv and desert retreats to coastal resorts and spa destinations, reflects a growing trend of diversity: whether travelers seek boutique city‑center stays, luxurious coastal getaways, desert escapes, or restorative spa resorts, there are now more choices than ever. For travelers planning to visit Israel, this range of new hotels provides flexibility, comfort, and a richer experience when selecting their Israel tour packages.

Faith-Based and Niche Tourism Rebound First

Faith-based travelers are often the first to return after uncertainty, and they’re coming back to Israel in force. Pilgrimage groups from the U.S., Latin America, and Africa are already booking tours into 2026.

Other niche markets are also gaining momentum:

Business tourism
Medical tourism
Culinary and wine-focused travel
Small-group adventure and cultural tours

These experiences complement traditional sightseeing, offering visitors tours that feel both meaningful and memorable.

A Tourism Landscape That’s Being Reinvented

Israel’s tourism isn’t just returning – it’s being reimagined. Modern travelers want connection: real stories, authentic encounters, and meaningful experiences.

Immersive itineraries now emphasize local culture, food, and history
Operators are focusing on personal experiences over generic sightseeing
Travelers are engaging with communities, contributing to Israel’s recovery

This evolution is redefining what it means to take Israel tours today, making each journey more memorable.

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The outlook for 2026 is strong:

Bookings are rising steadily
Airline capacity continues to expand
New hotels and infrastructure signal growing confidence

While challenges remain, Israel’s tourism industry is steadily rebuilding. Whether travelers are drawn by culture, history, adventure, or faith, the country is ready to welcome them – and guide them into a new era of exploration.