Surprising Shift: Neighboring Port City Overtakes New York as Israelis' Top Destination

Popular Tourist Trends Emerge: Israelis have resumed international travel, but the destinations they're choosing now differ significantly from past preferences. In August, Greece and Cyprus topped the list above all others. Here are the top ten destinations for Israelis this past month.

1. Larnaca

First place with 166,027 travelers accounting for approximately 7.70% of all passengers, marking an increase of about 14.25% compared to last August.

Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

2. New York

Second place with 126,581 travelers, combining Newark's 64,791 travelers with Kennedy's 61,790 travelers, representing about 5.70% of all passengers, an increase of approximately 75% from last August.

3. Crete

Third place with 100,154 travelers accounting for about 4.50% of all passengers, an increase of about 95.70% compared to the same period in August 2024.

4. Dubai

Fourth place with 92,872 travelers representing about 4.20% of all passengers, with a 62.85% increase compared to last August.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Photo: Shutterstock

5. Paris

Completing the top five with 90,405 travelers accounting for 4.10% of all passengers, an increase of 26.70% compared to the same period in 2024.

6. Rhodes

Sixth place with 85,277 travelers making up 3.86% of all passengers, a 44.20% increase compared to the same period last year.

7. Paphos

Seventh place with 65,826 travelers comprising 2.98% of all passengers, marking an increase of about 51% compared to August 2024.

Paphos. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

8. Budapest

Eighth place with 64,453 travelers representing 2.92% of all passengers, a 35.55% increase compared to the same period last year.

9. London

Ninth place including three airports with 62,561 travelers: Luton with 26,939, Heathrow with 26,454, Stansted with 9,168. A decrease of about 18.5% compared to the same period last year.

10. Batumi

Completing the top ten with 57,308 travelers comprising 2.60% of all passengers, an increase of about 42.80% compared to the same period last year.

Batumi, Georgia. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK