Bizarre
Tourism Minister Sparks Backlash: “Vacations in Israel Are Too Expensive - Let People Fly to Greece”
Speaking on Ynet’s “120 and One” podcast, Katz was asked about the high cost of local vacations. In response, he said bluntly: “Vacations in Israel are too expensive. So, honestly, let people fly to Greece.” Pressed on what could be done to lower prices, Katz added: “If the hotels don’t know how to price properly, then let them go to Greece.”
Israel’s Tourism Minister Haim Katz drew sharp criticism on Sunday after making remarks widely described as tone-deaf and damaging to the domestic tourism industry, saying that vacations in Israel are “too expensive” and suggesting Israelis should simply travel to Greece instead.
The comments come as Israel’s tourism sector is attempting to recover following the end of the war, with many businesses struggling to reopen after months of disruption, reserve duty absences, and financial strain.
Opposition leaders quickly condemned the remarks, accusing the minister of abandoning the very industry he is tasked with protecting.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid questioned what Katz’s message meant for small tourism operators who served lengthy reserve duty during the war. “What is a guesthouse owner supposed to think,” Lapid asked, “someone who did 200 or 300 days of reserve service, left their business during a brutal war, came back and reopened despite enormous difficulties and now hears the tourism minister telling people to vacation in Greece because it’s too expensive here?”
MK Naama Lazimi went further, likening Katz’s remarks to elite detachment from public hardship. “If they have no bread, let them eat cake, October 7 massacre government edition,” she wrote.
MK Merav Ben Ari also criticized Katz, acknowledging the high cost of living but stressing ministerial responsibility. “He’s technically right, it’s expensive here,” she said. “But you’re the minister in charge. Your job is to provide solutions for Israeli tourists, not send them abroad.”
Tourism professionals warn that such statements undermine efforts to revive domestic travel at a critical moment. With many hotels, guesthouses, and small businesses still reeling from the economic fallout of the war, critics argue that leadership rhetoric matters and that encouraging Israelis to vacation abroad sends the wrong signal.
As of publication, Katz has not issued a clarification or apology for the remarks.