Israelis Increasingly Choose Cyprus for Live Music as Concerts at Home Dwindle

Nicosia, Cyprus. Israelis are turning more often to Cyprus for live music, with tourism companies saying on Friday that few international artists are performing in Israel and that this is lifting interest in festivals and club nights on the island.

Experts on the shift

Prof Alon Gelbman, who heads the master’s programme in tourism at Kinneret Academic, told the Israeli news outlet Mako that the security situation and the absence of many international performers from Israeli stages were steering young people towards “alternative destinations”. He added that Cyprus benefits from a clear advantage for Israeli visitors because of its closeness and the short flight.

Oren Cohen-Maguri, vice president of marketing and sales at the Israeli travel agency The Flying Carpet, described Limassol as a sought-after entertainment destination among young people. According to him, its nightlife and clubs often host both international and Israeli DJs. He noted that, because international performances in Israel are scarce, concerts held in Cyprus this summer could attract strong interest, if they do take place.

Arrival figures

Cystat recorded 135,628 arrivals from Israel last month, compared with 105,597 a year earlier, an increase of more than 28 per cent. Israel made up 23.3 per cent of all arrivals, which makes it the second largest market after the United Kingdom, which stood at 30.5 per cent.

Venues and destinations

Limassol has emerged as a particular attraction. Israeli travel and entertainment listings feature the City of Dreams Mediterranean resort, beach clubs and music festivals there. Other venues appearing on Israeli nightlife listings include The Warehouse, Shaka, Columbia Sun, SODAP Beach and Guaba.

The trend is not limited to Limassol. Tel Aviv Times reported that the Israeli rock band Kadachat performed at Paradise Place in Pomos on October 17, and described Israeli flags inside the venue and a Hebrew welcome sign.