Israel Hotels Association: Few cancellations but new bookings have dried up.
The Israel Hotels Association reports that there have only been a small number of cancellations by individual tourists and groups visiting Israel. However, the number of new bookings has virtually dried up since the situation in the south escalated and Operation Protective Edge began.
The Israel Hotels Association said, "The Association views the security situation with great concern which if it continues, without any doubt, might cause many cancellations. There is no question that after the crisis (in the hope that will come tomorrow) a powerful marketing campaign will be required to bring back demand and revive incoming traffic. The main effort by hotel at the moment is to prevent a wave of cancellations for the holidays and fall."
Israir Airlines and Tourism Ltd. VP Marketing and Sales Gil Stav said, "We are beginning to see hesistation and a small fall in bookings."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 8, 2014
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2014
Ben Gurion Airport picture: Eyal Yitzhar