The amoeba scared the vacationers? Hotels around the Sea of Galilee tell a different story

Despite reports of an amoeba found in the Sea of Galilee and the postponement of the Sea of Galilee crossing event, hotels and resorts in the area report nearly 99% occupancy ahead of Rosh Hashanah and the Tishrei holidays. Business owners and hotel managers describe ongoing erosion from events of recent years but note that guests continue to arrive, some entering the water as usual. Experts note that the chance of the amoeba surviving in open water is negligible.

Despite media reports of a rare amoeba found in the Sea of Galilee, which led to the postponement of the 'Sea of Galilee crossing' event, the tourism industry in the area presents a complex picture. While some estimate about 30% cancellations in certain places, this figure is not officially confirmed. Hotels and resorts interviewed by reporters report about 99% occupancy for Rosh Hashanah and the Tishrei holidays. Doron Bichler, CEO of the 'Ma'agan Eden' resort, describes managing an ongoing event since 2020 – COVID, wars, and evacuees – but notes that despite guests' concerns, occupancy is nearly full and guests continue to enter the Sea of Galilee. Avi Zandberg, a hotelier from Tiberias, reports full occupancy at the Astoria Hotel and says guests are not panicked. Among local sources, there is criticism of 'unnecessary hysteria'. Experts, including Prof. Moshe Gophen, former director of the Sea of Galilee Research Laboratory, note that the chance of the amoeba surviving in open water with westerly winds is negligible, and that conditions for its development require water temperatures above 34 degrees Celsius. Tourism operators and northern local leaders call on the public to continue coming.