The massive wave of Israel tourists visiting Turkey came to a halt six years ago. Tourism to Turkey, for Israeli sun worshippers seeking all expenses included vacations, which reached 500,000 in peak seasons, has dwindled to a trickle of a few tens of thousands, mostly from the Arab sector. At the same time, let it not be forgotten that Turkey is still the second most popular destination for Israelis - mostly as part of follow-on flights to destinations throughout the world.
Will the reconciliation agreement with Turkey change the map of Israeli tourism this summer? It depends on whom you ask. One tourist industry source said, "Since yesterday night, we're seeing a lot of web searches, and people are phoning in with questions. At the same time, there are few orders. We expect the number to increase, but slowly. Keep in mind that the Turkish product, with perfect adaptation for children and all expenses included, is significantly better than the Greek and Bulgarian product, so I will unquestionably increase the package tours I'm offering to Turkey."
The source added, "This summer isn't a lost cause. Many are still thinking about where to travel, and since the prices for clubs to Turkey this year are 35% less than in past years, it's an option to be taken into account."
Holiday Lines commercial partnerships manager Ilan Shalev is more optimistic. "I predict that tens of thousands of Israelis will travel to Turkey this summer, and a peak will be reached for the High Holy Days, with 180,000 Israeli tourists traveling to destinations in Turkey."
In addition to the reconciliation agreement, Turkey's crisis with Russia and the plummeting numbers of Russian tourists in Turkey are also having an effect. Shalev anticipates "a precipitous drop in prices that will make Anatolia an extremely relevant option for Israelis."
Aviation Links chief marketing officer Nir Mazor cites the enormous supply in Turkey. "You can vacation in excellent hotels for $500-$1,000. In comparison with a few years back, the luxury hotels at the vacation sites are more expensive. The prices in centers in Anatolia and Kemer have remained about the same, and there is no reason for them to fall. I'm sure that the Turks will be glad to get us back, but they won't lower their prices, and certainly not in the peak season," he says.
"Globes": On the other hand, if the demand rises, so will the price.
Mazor: "It's too early to tell. In my opinion, most vacationers have already settled their vacations."
A vacation in Anatolia An excellent product
According to Ophir Tours vice-chairman and CIO Yoni Waksman, the Turks will have to regain the trust of the Israeli tourist. "The Israeli public has lost faith in Turkey, also because of (Turkish President Recep Tayyip) Erdogan's comments, but mainly because of an unpleasant general feeling in the street recently. People experienced it personally. Signing a piece of paper has not yet changed the mood. It will take more time before it reaches the level of the man in the street," Waksman said, adding, "Israelis want to return to Anatolia, because there's an excellent product there that gives more for your money than the product in Greece. There will be more lively traffic to Anatolia after Ramadan. As of now, it's still only a few thousand a month."
"Globes": Will there be competition against Greece and Cyprus?
Waksman: "There are several categories of the sunbathing type of vacation. Most tourists are now going to the Greek islands instead of Turkey. Tour operators in Turkey will try to reach the Israeli tourist with special deals. I don't think there will be floor prices, but in terms of value for money, Israelis will gradually go back to the clubs. You won't get a vacation for $500 a week, but there will be vacationers at the same time in Greece."
Will the tour operators try to create a buzz in order to sell more?
"For me, it's important that someone who buys a vacation package from me enjoys it and comes back healthy and in one piece. It's not worth it for me if I can't sleep at night because I sent people to a place I'm not sure about. An agreement has been signed now, but we have to see what happens there. Turkey has the reputation of being unfriendly. It's a process of trust that has to be built, and that will take time."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 28, 2016
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