The summer break is nearing its end, but with the Jewish High Holidays just around the corner, travel agencies are experiencing a surge in vacation bookings. According to Israeli tourism companies, "the upcoming holidays in October are expected to be more expensive compared to last year, mainly due to a more limited range of vacation options."
While prices stood at about 15% lower compared to last year's high holidays as recently as a month ago, prices are now rising as the holiday dates approach. Travel companies predict prices will continue to soar as the holidays draw nearer.
Travel agencies report that while the average stay during last year’s holidays was four nights, this year, the average has increased to five or six nights. There’s also a noticeable increase in bookings to distant destinations like Thailand and the U.S., with an average stay of 18 nights.
Yaniv Laniado, founder of the Secret Flights Israeli vacation booking website, said, "Prices for the upcoming holidays are expected to climb quickly as they approach. There's a significant shortage in supply, and dozens of routes have yet to return to their pre-war schedules.
“Therefore, I recommend booking flights as soon as possible. The lowest prices during the holiday period can still be found between the end of Rosh Hashanah and the start of Sukkot, from October 4 to 16,” he added.
Shirley Cohen Orkaby, Eshet Tours’ vice president of marketing, explained: "The supply of flights this year was initially lower compared to last year, and it has further dwindled in recent weeks due to the recent security tensions with Iran and Hezbollah. Some Israelis who had already purchased tickets for the holiday period had their flights canceled by the airlines.
“As a result, there's significant demand for holiday flights, both from Israelis seeking alternative flights after cancellations and from new demand. It's also very important to ensure flexible cancellation terms when booking, allowing for changes at no cost or reduced cost depending on the situation."
Nir Mazor, Kishrey Teufa’s vice president, noted: "Holiday vacations have always been popular due to the desire to spend time together and relax, especially in such a challenging year. During the holidays, prices increase by about 10%-15% due to high demand and lower flight availability, so it’s not advisable to wait until the last minute to order.”
“Prices are changing and increasing daily, and availability is shrinking. The popular holiday destinations are the Greek Islands, Cyprus and Batumi (Georgia). These destinations offer beautiful beaches, pleasant weather, excellent food and a variety of tourist attractions,” he added.
According to Hila Hermolin Ronen, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Israir, said, "There are several key parameters affecting prices. Unlike last year, there's a long period of about a month between the start of the school year and when the holiday vacations begin. Those who want to go on vacation during the time when kids are back in school and students haven't started their studies will enjoy attractive prices throughout September.”
“It seems that this year, families who went on a summer vacation are considering another holiday getaway since the summer vacation dates aren’t as close to the holiday break as they were last year. Additionally, the school vacation during the holidays themselves lasts about two weeks, from the eve of Yom Kippur until the Saturday after Sukkot,” she added.
Yonatan Waxman, deputy chairman of Ophir Tours, also touched on the rising prices. "The High Holidays this year are expected to be more expensive compared to last year, mainly due to a more limited range of vacation options. Last year, we enjoyed a wide variety of options, including cruises from Haifa, vacations in Turkey and getaways in Egypt.”
“This year, the main destinations found nearby are Greece and Bulgaria, serving as the primary alternatives. It's important to note that the High Holidays this year fall in October, which might affect the weather and limit outdoor activities,” he explained.
Waxman was clear about this year’s price hikes. For example, a deal with Ophir Tours to Rhodes that cost $774 per person last year is now $824 – marking a 6% increase. A vacation package to Crete at the Aquila Elounda Village for two nights cost $699 per person last year, but this year jumped to $1,039 – a 48% increase.
Another phenomenon that travel agencies are encountering is the desire not to be present in Israel on October 7, 2024. The unusual demand for flights on that week has already led to price increases, which are now climbing by up to 25% year-on-year.
Oren Cohen Meguri, vice president of Marketing and Sales at Flying Carpet, added: "We’re seeing a significant increase in demand for departures immediately after Rosh Hashanah, standing at around 30%."
Einat Yunger Carmeli, vice president of Marketing and Digital at Arkia, said: "The most popular destinations are the Greek Islands, Cyprus and as Sukkot approaches, we see an increase in bookings to classical Europe. With the absence of foreign airlines flying to Israel and high demand for the holidays, vacation prices are expected to rise. Those who book early will benefit from a better price and secure their holiday vacation."
Flyeast CEO Mazi Arazi also discussed distant destinations like Thailand. "Price increases start with Rosh Hashanah, peaking around Yom Kippur," she said. Spirit World Productions CEO Tali Yativ who specializes in exotic vacation destinations, stressed the importance of early booking to secure a good price. "There’s a global trend of rising flight prices compared to last year, but there are also vacation packages at similar prices to last year," she said.