Israel Sees 8.6% Rise in North American Visitors
Israel welcomed 154,200 visitors from the United States and Canada in the third quarter of 2026, as a $2.8 million brand campaign and resumed airline routes support recovering arrivals.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Central America
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Israel welcomed 154,200 visitors from the United States and Canada between July and September 2026, a rise of 8.6% over the same period in 2025. Arrivals included 127,200 U.S. visitors and 27,000 Canadian visitors.
Why it matters
The increase signals renewed interest in Israel as a travel destination among North American travelers following a period of reduced air connectivity. Resumed flights from several U.S. cities are returning access that supports continued growth in arrivals.
Of the 154,200 North American visitors recorded in Q3 2026, 127,200 came from the United States and 27,000 from Canada. The campaign's $2.8 million budget and 319 million impressions are reported, but the source does not break down how the campaign's reach translated into bookings.
The players
Israel Ministry of Tourism
The Israeli government agency responsible for promoting inbound tourism, which reported the arrival figures and ran the "I Am Israel" campaign.
United Airlines
A major U.S. carrier that resumed flights from Chicago and Washington, D.C. to Israel in October 2026.
EL AL
Israel's national airline, which resumed its San Francisco route to Israel in October 2026.
The details
Israel's Ministry of Tourism launched the "I Am Israel" campaign on June 5, 2026, across major digital and streaming platforms, with immersive consumer engagement that included a "Taste of Israel" food truck. United Airlines resumed service from Chicago on October 24, 2026, and from Washington, D.C. on October 25, while EL AL resumed service from San Francisco on October 25.
Timeline
June 5, 2026: The "I Am Israel" campaign launched on digital and streaming platforms.
July–September 2026: North American arrivals rose 8.6% year over year.
October 24, 2026: United Airlines resumed Chicago service.
October 25, 2026: United Airlines resumed Washington, D.C. service and EL AL resumed San Francisco service.
Travel Outlook
The 8.6% rise in North American arrivals reflects a recovery in Israel's inbound tourism, which is being supported by the return of direct flights from several U.S. cities. Seasonal patterns for the autumn and winter months will show whether the increase holds as airline capacity is fully restored.
Travelers considering a trip to Israel can now book direct service from Chicago, Washington, D.C., and San Francisco on United and EL AL. Booking earlier in the season may help secure fares as capacity returns on these routes.
The takeaway
The reported growth shows that airline access and targeted marketing can work together to rebuild visitor numbers from a key source market. Travelers planning a trip should compare current fares and routes before booking.
Further reading
Explore more on Central America for regional travel context.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelPress.
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