Will Israel support charter transportation to Eilat in autumn and winter 2020

Israel plans to return to active marketing in the Russian market after the end of the coronavirus pandemic. In particular, the continuation of the program of subsidizing charter flights to Eilat, which had to be prematurely interrupted in the current winter season.

The situation with coronavirus put inbound tourism in Israel “on pause” in the first half of spring period.

For this reason, Russian tour operators and airlines were forced to terminate flight programs to Israel, including Eilat, ahead of schedule.

According to the director of the Russian office of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, Vladimir Shklyar, totally, 157 flights were operated to Ramon Airport in the 2019/2020 season, by which 23 620 Russian tourists arrived in Israel (+ 69% compared to the 2018/2019 season).

As for subsidizing charter flights to Israel in the next winter season, there are such plans. According to Mr. Shklyar, the possibility of extending the program and payment amounts (now Israel pays 60 Euros for one tourist) depends on the epidemiological situation around the world.

“The high season in southern Israel lasts from September to May. Let's hope that in the autumn, the situation with coronavirus will be resolved. Then, I am sure that the budget for the program of subsidies for charter flights to Eilat will be allocated. We really hope that everything will be good and we will be able to offer this program to the flight consolidators again,” said the representative of Israeli tourism.

According to Mr. Shklyar, after normalization of the epidemiological situation, Israel plans to resume its marketing campaign in the Russian market and Israeli hoteliers will provide attractive conditions for the Russian market.

“All hoteliers are looking forward to the return of tourists. I am sure that each hotel chain will release discount and bonus programs,” he stressed.