Following the brutal attack on Israeli soccer fans by an antisemitic mob in Amsterdam a month ago, the Dutch capital has experienced a sharp decline in popularity among Israeli tourists. According to PassportCard, an Israeli travel insurance company, Amsterdam, which ranked 11th among the most popular Christmas destinations for Israelis in 2023, has dropped to 20th place this year. The report reveals that while tens of thousands of Israelis visited Amsterdam for their winter holidays last year, less than 1% of Israelis traveling abroad have chosen the city this year.
Thailand has emerged as the leading destination for Israeli travelers in the final weeks of 2024, followed by the United States. The United Arab Emirates, which had previously ranked lower, has surged to third place. Meanwhile, Europe’s overall popularity has decreased, with Greece gaining traction as a more welcoming destination for Israeli visitors. Italy, the Czech Republic, Georgia, Hungary, the UK, and Germany complete the top 10 list of popular European destinations.
The effects of antisemitism are clearly reflected in this shift, with France no longer appearing in the top 10 destinations for Israeli travelers. According to Ronit Segal, CEO of PassportCard, safety has become a critical factor influencing vacation choices. “We are seeing major shifts in where Israelis are choosing to travel, driven by security concerns,” Segal stated. "We are strengthening our operations to quickly respond to any unexpected events during this busy holiday season."
