Cancellations in the millions, investments in the billions: What is happening to the Sea of Galilee?

The Sea of Galilee is suffering from a prolonged tourism crisis: about 800,000 fewer visitors to its beaches, cancellations worth millions of shekels, and businesses considering closure. The causes: COVID-19, war, rounds of conflict with Iran, and the deadly amoeba. Alongside this, billions of shekels are being invested in new hotels and restaurants.

The Sea of Galilee is experiencing a sustained tourism crisis following a series of blows: COVID-19, the war that broke out in October 2023, two rounds of conflict with Iran, and most recently the deadly amoeba that killed a 9-year-old boy. About 800,000 fewer visitors have come to the beaches this year compared to last year, and businesses report cancellations worth millions of shekels. However, alongside the despair, billions of shekels are being invested in new hotels, restaurants, and leisure projects. Business owners like Ofer Zilberman warn of future damage, while others like Doron Bichler are more optimistic. Incoming tourism, mainly pilgrims, has not yet recovered.