Spain opens probe into Israeli tourism firms over alleged promotion of settlement tourism

Spain’s Ministry of Social Rights, Consumer Affairs and Agenda 2030 has opened a formal investigation into Israeli tourism companies suspected of promoting goods or services linked to Israeli colonies built on occupied Palestinian land. 

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry said the inquiry relates to Israel’s participation in the International Tourism Fair (FITUR), which was held in Madrid from 21 to 25 January.

The ministry said it is examining whether companies at the Israeli pavilion organised or promoted tourist trips to occupied Palestinian land in breach of Spanish law.

It explained that Article Four of a royal decree approved by the Spanish government in September 2025, which introduced urgent measures in response to the war in Gaza and in support of the Palestinian people, clearly bans advertising goods and services originating from occupied territories. The ministry said there are suspicions that this legal provision may have been violated.

According to the ministry, the investigation includes claims that some tourism companies at the Israeli pavilion offered travel packages to Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, which could amount to unlawful advertising under current Spanish legislation.

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