In a positive development for Israel's tourism industry, MSC Cruises - the world's third-largest cruise company, reports a noteworthy 70% increase in cruise bookings among Israelis. This surge is not limited to immediate travel plans in December and January but extends to future periods, including upcoming festivities like Passover and summer vacations.
Following over two months of conflict that severely impacted the tourism sector, this surge in cruise bookings signals a growing public inclination toward a return to normalcy. MSC observes strong demand among Israelis for Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries. Notable cruise ports in high demand include Barcelona (Spain), Genoa and Venice (Italy), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Miami and New York (USA), serving as gateways to the Caribbean islands.
Although booking numbers are yet to reach pre-conflict levels, the company is actively offering Israeli customers a range of vacation options. To address uncertainty, MSC has implemented flexible booking conditions, allowing customers to make cruise reservations securely, even amid ongoing uncertainties.
The surge in cruise bookings reflects a collective aspiration for a return to normalcy, acknowledging that any semblance of normalcy will be influenced by the lingering impact of the conflict. Nonetheless, this trend provides a potential boost to the tourism sector, a vital source of livelihood for numerous Israelis.