Israel Hopes to Offer Tour Operators a Model for No-Proof-of-Vaccine Destinations
Photo Credit: The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem Pixabay / EvgeniT
Skift Take
Tour operators are largely supportive of destinations easing travel curbs since most of them already require their own clients to be vaccinated. That doesn't mean they're getting complacent in the fight against Covid as many countries are still struggling with a surge in cases.
Destinations worldwide eased travel curbs in recent weeks, some such as France and Italy waiving requirements for vaccinated visitors to take Covid tests prior to their arrival.
But Israel has gone a step further as of last week, the country reopened to unvaccinated overseas visitors while only requiring all incoming arrivals to pass two PCR tests — one prior to departing their home country and one upon arrival.
Several tour operators active in Israel expressed support for the actions, and company executives believe that measures the country is taking can be replicated in destinations that will further ease travel curbs.
"Israel is a good example of reopening with tighter restrictions and then reducing them over time as the situation warranted," said Matt Berna, the North American managing director for Intrepid Travel, which will resume trips
