Published on
December 13, 2025
The global travel landscape for Israeli tourists has undergone significant changes in recent years. While the world remains deeply interconnected, recent geopolitical tensions and shifting perceptions of safety and welcome have led Israeli travelers to become more selective about their destinations. This shift was highlighted during the Tourism Community Congress in Tel Aviv, where experts from various countries discussed how Israeli travel behaviors are changing. Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan have emerged as leading choices for Israeli travelers, thanks to their trust, air connectivity, and reputation for hospitality. As Israeli tourists continue to navigate this evolving global environment, it is clear that factors like political stability, welcoming environments, and reliable transportation have become just as important as the traditional allure of price and attractions.
Strong Demand Despite Geopolitical Challenges
Despite the ongoing global tensions, Israeli outbound tourism has remained resilient. A key takeaway from the Tourism Community Congress was the continued strong demand for international travel, with destinations such as Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan reporting robust visitor numbers from Israel. Thailand saw a record number of Israelis visiting, with over 400,000 travelers arriving in 2025. Similarly, Hungary reported more than one million Israeli overnight stays, supported by frequent flights between the two countries. These figures demonstrate that, while geopolitical uncertainties may affect travel choices, there is still a significant appetite for international tourism among Israelis.
The Growing Importance of Trust and Welcome
In the current climate, Israeli travelers are increasingly prioritizing destinations where they feel not only safe but also welcome. Political tension and negative rhetoric in certain regions have made it more challenging for Israeli tourists to choose where to visit. While many countries remain technically accessible, the perception of being welcome has become just as important as the availability of flights or the quality of tourism offerings. Countries that maintain positive relations with Israel, offer reliable air connectivity, and create an environment of consistent hospitality are now seeing an increase in Israeli tourism.
This trend is reshaping the global tourism map, as destinations that offer a sense of security and stability are becoming preferred choices. It is no longer just about the attractions; Israeli travelers are looking for destinations where they can feel comfortable and respected during their visit. Countries like Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan have managed to distinguish themselves by providing exactly this type of environment.
Why Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan Stand OutThailand: A Long-Standing Favorite
Thailand continues to be a top destination for Israeli travelers, benefiting from decades of cultural familiarity and established travel infrastructure. The Thai Tourism Authority has worked hard to maintain a strong relationship with Israel, ensuring that visa policies remain consistent and air connectivity is reliable. This has reinforced Israelis’ confidence in visiting Thailand, especially as many Israelis see the country as a second home for vacation and leisure travel.
Thailand’s long-standing appeal to Israelis is further strengthened by its vibrant tourism culture, which aligns well with the preferences of Israeli visitors. The country’s affordability, hospitality, and diverse attractions—ranging from pristine beaches to bustling city life—make it an attractive option. Thai tourism authorities continue to engage with the Israeli market, driving high repeat visitation.
Hungary: A Reliable European Choice
In Europe, Hungary has emerged as one of the most reliable destinations for Israeli tourists. The country’s strong bilateral relations with Israel, extensive air connectivity, and visible cooperation in the tourism sector have made it a top choice. With Budapest being a key European city break destination, many Israeli travelers choose Hungary for its combination of rich culture, historic landmarks, and vibrant urban life.
The Hungarian Tourism Agency has been particularly active in fostering relationships with Israeli tour operators and ensuring a steady flow of visitors. With approximately 80 weekly flights between Israel and Hungary, the connection between the two countries remains strong, and Hungary’s stable political climate makes it an appealing destination during uncertain times.
Azerbaijan: Growing Trust and Strategic Partnerships
Azerbaijan has gained significant attention from Israeli travelers in recent years, largely due to its consistent air connectivity and its ability to maintain good relations with Israel despite regional tensions. Azerbaijan’s secular positioning and expanding tourism infrastructure have made it an increasingly attractive destination. Israeli tourists are drawn to the country’s unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures, as well as its natural beauty, modern cities, and rich history.
The continued support from AZAL Azerbaijan Airlines and the country’s commitment to maintaining open travel channels during times of political instability have strengthened Azerbaijan’s reputation among Israeli travelers. With growing interest, Azerbaijan has solidified its position as one of Israel’s top ten source markets, signaling its potential for future growth in Israeli tourism.
The United States: Uncertainty Amid Strong Appeal
The United States continues to hold strong appeal for Israeli tourists, particularly for business, visiting friends and relatives, and city tourism. However, the changing political climate has introduced some uncertainty. While Israelis benefit from established visa arrangements and strong bilateral ties, concerns over stricter immigration enforcement and heightened airport security measures under the previous administration have made some Israeli travelers more cautious.
The challenges of navigating complex entry procedures, particularly for younger tourists and academics, have led many to approach U.S. travel with more preparation and reassurance. Despite these challenges, the United States remains a top destination for Israelis, and travel agents report that it continues to be a key market.
Tourism Boards That Stay Engaged Are Winning
Destinations that have remained consistently active in engaging with the Israeli market have seen the most success. Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan are prime examples of countries whose tourism authorities have maintained an ongoing presence in Israel. By working closely with Israeli travel agents, tour operators, and influencers, these countries have reinforced trust and confidence among Israeli tourists.
On the other hand, countries that have remained silent or disconnected during challenging times have seen their appeal diminish. The message is clear: consistent engagement and visible presence in the Israeli market are crucial for sustaining tourism flows.
Political Criticism and the Perception of Welcome
One of the most significant factors shaping Israeli outbound tourism is the perception of being unwelcome. As political criticism of Israeli policies increases in certain destinations, Israelis may feel uncomfortable visiting places where anti-Israel sentiment spills over into social interactions. Antisemitism and perceived bias have become critical factors influencing travel decisions, as tourists increasingly prioritize destinations where they feel respected and safe.
Israeli travelers tend to avoid locations where political debates result in social discomfort or biased treatment, especially in regions where personal safety might be compromised. In a world where emotional sentiment and personal experiences weigh heavily on travel decisions, this dynamic has become a central concern for tourism boards.
Conclusion: Trust and Stability Drive Future Tourism
The message from the Tourism Community Congress is clear: trust and stability are now at the heart of Israeli tourism. Countries that offer these qualities—along with reliable air connectivity and consistent messaging—are positioning themselves as leaders in attracting Israeli tourists. Thailand, Hungary, and Azerbaijan have set an example for other destinations to follow, showing that by remaining open, consistent, and welcoming, tourism partnerships can flourish even in challenging times.
As geopolitical landscapes shift and travelers become more selective, destinations that prioritize predictability and engagement will continue to enjoy strong demand from Israeli visitors in the years ahead.
