1 week Ago By Anu Kuruvilla
KOCHI: The conflict in the Gaza Strip has not put a damper on those looking to visit the Holy Land and surrounding regions. According to data released by Israel’s ministry of tourism, nearly 50% of the 9,600 visitors from India in 2024 were pilgrim tourists. And, around 90% of these visitors hailed from Kerala.
Thomas Mathai, director of Riya Travels and Tours India Pvt Ltd, says, “Despite the strife in Gaza, tours to the Holy Land are happening and that too in comparatively good numbers. Two batches that couldn’t travel when the war was at its fiercest left recently.” There have been no issues, he told TNIE.
According to him, more groups will be making the trip towards the end of April. But, pilgrimage tourism has not caught up with youngsters. “It is very rare to see youths participating in the Holy Land tour.
They might plan a trip to Israel and other places in the region but the spots that they visit are non-religious,” says Thomas. “The two groups that are due to leave this month comprise 100 passengers. The elderly are a part of every group.
They consider this trip as a fulfilment of their religious aspirations,” he adds. He points out that the groups approached them voluntarily. “We never canvased them.
” In May, we have five groups travelling to the Holy Land, says Thomas. Kandirickal Travels confirmed that though numbers have dropped since the start of the Gaza conflict, the tours are taking place. It has one group preparing for the tour.
“Basically, the peak months are September and October,” an official said.Amruta Bangera, director of marketing, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT)-India global, said pilgrim tourists constitute a large portion of inbound visitors to Israel. “Individual tourists are very rare.
Travellers from India generally want to experience Jerusalem’s Old City, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, floating on the Dead Sea, Jaffa, Haifa, snorkelling in Eilat, Ramon Crater and a city break in Tel Aviv. The biggest attractions among Christian pilgrims are Nazareth and Bethlehem,” she added.“We are getting a good number of pilgrim groups organised by tour agencies and churches.
Many of these groups are led by priests or bishops. We conduct seminars in Kerala to educate them about the facilities to ensure a seamless tourism experience,” Amruta adds.Regarding the safety aspects due to the conflict in Gaza, she says, “Locations away from the Gaza border are safe.
Tourists are not allowed to places near the conflict zone. Proper safety checks are in place to ensure the tourists remain safe.”Pilgrims’ progress Nearly 50% of the 9,600 visitors from India in 2024 were pilgrim touristsAround 90% of these visitors hailed from KeralaElderly are part of most groups, while youngsters choose non-religious spots.
