The violent attacks against Israeli soccer fans in Amsterdam earlier this month and the alert by police in Thailand of an imminent attack against Israelis during the Full Moon Party on the island of Ko Pha Ngan last week, made it clear that the war now has an additional front – tourist destinations abroad.
The National Security Council updates the level of threat for Israelis in every country on the globe and Ynet looked at places where there is no warning of possible danger.
Israelis attacked in Amsterdam
There are four levels of threat in the NSC's evaluation as they appear on the agency's website. Level 1 – an occasional threat where caution is advised; level 2 – a medium threat where increased caution is advised; level 3 – a high level of threat where Israelis should avoid travel unless necessary; and level 4 – a serious threat where the NSC urges Israelis to avoid travel or leave as quickly as possible.
Shirly Cohen Orkavi, CEO of the Eshet Tours Group told Ynet that Israelis prefer destinations that are close, safe and friendly. ]
"We see growing demands for Montenegro, Belgrade, Warsaw, Budapest, Bucharest, Dubai and Athens, at the expense of cities in Western Europe," she said. "There are a range of countries that are safe destinations for Israelis, further afield as well, where it is safe to travel either independently or in organized tours. Those include Vietnam, Cambodia and Japan in the Far East, the United States of course and some Latin American countries including Costa Rica, Panama and Argentina."
Nir Mazor, deputy manager at Aviation Links, said Israelis are not quick to adhere to the recommendations of the NSC. "We do see Athens and Dubai as the most popular destinations and an increased demand for places like Budapest, Prague and Cyprus. Montenegro, surprisingly, continues to gain popularity this year, and flights there have increased. It has become a favored choice for people looking for spa hotels, casinos and for skiers."
Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: