Northern Israel’s businesses struggle to recover as tourism remains grounded

Business owners across northern Israel are attempting to rebuild their livelihoods after nearly three years without significant visitor numbers, though many fear any economic recovery could be short-lived. Amidst cautious optimism about a potential ceasefire, tourism and hospitality businesses say they urgently need to resume normal operations to survive. “We haven’t had guests here for almost three years. People who do come are afraid to stay overnight,” explains Amir Shoshni, who operates a holiday cottage complex in Metula, near the Lebanese border. “We appreciate the soldiers, but we’re waiting for the day we can see tourists here again.” The region’s economy has been devastated by years of conflict and security concerns that have effectively shut down the tourism sector. Shimeon, who works at a falafel restaurant in Kiryat Shmona, echoes the sentiment: “We love what our soldiers are doing for us, but we’re longing for visitors to return.” Business leaders are watching the current lull in fighting with a mixture of hope and apprehension. Adi Cohen, deputy director of Kayak Kibbutz Belo’ot, expressed the cautious mood among hospitality operators: “We’re hoping the remaining months will pass peacefully.” Many fear the current calm may be temporary, making planning for the future uncertain. For struggling businesses across the north, economic survival depends on a sustained return to stability and the restoration of visitor confidence in the region.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.