Number of tourist hotels in Israel 2014-2021

In 2021, the number of tourist hotels in Israel amounted to 437. This was a slight increase compared to the previous year. During the observed period, the number of hotels in the country increased gradually, except for a minor decrease in 2020. In addition, the occupancy rate of bed places in hotels in the country moderately increased in the same year. 

Impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19)

Due to the Israeli government's introduction of international tourism restrictions following the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in March 2020, the number of foreign guests in tourist hotels in Israel decreased significantly to 277,400 in 2021 compared to over four million in 2019. In contrast, the number of Israeli guests in these hotels rose drastically, from 3.1 million in 2020 to nearly 6.85 million in 2021. This increase is because the Israeli authorities allowed domestic travels while prohibiting international tourism. Therefore, many Israelis spent their vacation in hotels in the country.

Revenue increasing again in the hotel industry

Despite the difficulties experienced by the hotel industry due to the pandemic, the relatively quick removal of social distancing in Israel helped the industry rebound. In 2021, the total revenue of hotel services in Israel reached nearly 9.02 billion Israeli shekels (around 2.70 million U.S. dollars). This was a significant increase compared to the previous year. The combination of thriving domestic tourism and growing inbound tourism could lead to a continued upward trend in hotel profits.