Summer is approaching, and with it, one of the most expensive periods of the year for Israeli families. Against a backdrop of high living costs and the battle for every customer, hotel chains have recently been trying to convince the public to book vacations through a long list of promotions, discounts, and perks.
2+The reason is simple: despite high demand during the summer season, competition in the tourism industry is intensifying. Alongside hotels, overseas vacation packages, vacation apartments, and private rental platforms are all competing for the same family budget.
One chain that recently announced a series of perks is the Africa Israel Hotels chain. Among the offers are discounts of up to 20%, a second night at 50% off, a third night free at some hotels, and the first child free at the Vert Dead Sea Hotel for families booking midweek.
Some hotels have chosen to differentiate themselves through perks not directly tied to room rates. For example, the Vert Jerusalem Hotel is offering families booking two nights or more a choice of one free attraction from a list including the Western Wall Tunnels, the Science Museum, the Biblical Zoo, or other entertainment venues in the city.
Those planning a vacation of several nights can find offers that reward longer stays, with tiered discounts like a second night at 50% off and a third night free. At the same time, some hotels in major cities and the Netanya area are offering discounts of 15%–20%, sometimes combined with additional perks like complimentary breakfast.
2+But beyond the big headlines about “free nights” and “huge discounts,” many consumers have already learned to examine the final price and not just the size of the perk. Industry insiders note that some promotions are conditional on a minimum number of nights, valid only on certain days, or limited to specific room types.
Meanwhile, new data indicates that more Israelis are considering the fall holiday period as a cheaper alternative to a summer vacation. According to data from the website “The 90th Minute,” vacation package prices during the holiday period are on average about 25% lower than similar packages in July and August.
The main reason is the early timing of the holidays this year. While the weather at Mediterranean destinations is still pleasant and warm, prices are beginning to drop gradually, and crowds are lower than at the peak of summer. For example, family packages to popular destinations like Crete, Rhodes, Kos, and Cyprus are already selling at prices significantly lower than August rates, leading many families to postpone their vacation by a few weeks and save thousands of shekels.
2+In the end, it appears that this coming summer, the Israeli consumer will face more options than in the past. On one hand, hotel promotions in Israel, and on the other, overseas vacation packages that are starting to compete on price. For those planning a vacation, the difference between a good deal and an expensive one may come down to a few minutes of price comparison. There are worthwhile offers for those looking for a vacation now—the prices are attractive for both now and the holidays. Summer prices, at this point, have become expensive.