Israel Red Sea Resort City Draws Scrutiny for Paying Airlines a Subsidy to Come
Photo Credit: The resort city of Eilat in Israel is an expensive destination. Wikimedia Commons / Dr. Avishai Teicher
Skift Take
Keen to feature the resort city of Eilat in the international tourism map, Israel has reintroduced the plan that allows airlines to avail $65 subsidy for every arriving passenger. However, it may take more than this for the government to woo tourists to the expensive city.
Throwing its hat into the ring to woo international tourists back after the Covid pause, Israel’s resort city of Eilat has brought back the plan that offers carriers operating international flights to receive a subsidy of $65 for each passenger arriving at Ramon airport.
In an effort to boost winter tourism to Eilat, the plan would be valid for arrivals from September to May 2023, except for the Jewish holiday periods of October 9-16 and April 5-13.
However, tour operators are concerned about its efficacy and feel that the Red Sea resort city may end up turning into a transit point for carriers keen to avail the subsidy, instead of tourists actually visiting the destination.
“I have my doubts about whether the subsidy will help boost tourism to Eilat in the true sense. The destination may instead serve as a landing point for carriers to bring tourists to Israel, who may then travel to other destinations,” feared Omar Atellah
