Created a trend: the Israeli who caused quite a few tourists from the country to land abroad

Tonight ended the amazing season of Danny Avdia and Portland, after they lost in the West quarter final series to San Antonio. The Israeli player, who was even selected this season for the All-Star games of the best league in the world, created a lot of buzz around him and caused quite a few Israelis to fly to the US to see him play live. Those who came built their vacation around his games.

“Danny Avdia definitely added interest, exposure and enthusiasm to the Israeli audience,” says Assi Ohana, CEO of NBATRIPS, an Israeli company that offers NBA vacations. “There is no doubt that the season was exceptional, but it is important to say that the demand for our trips is on the rise even without connection to Danny. This is a trend we have seen throughout the year, even before the historic moments that Danny provided us with, and certainly following them.”

Did most of the Israelis who booked trips around games want to see him?

“Danny is undoubtedly an engine of growth, but his influence is broader than just Portland. Many Israelis began to take a renewed interest in the entire league – and of course in the playoffs, the big stars, the rivalries and the atmosphere. Of course there were many Israelis who came especially for him, but not only. The Israeli public loves sports in general, and the NBA in particular, and accordingly, along with watching the games, the travelers enjoy a comprehensive and exclusive experience – being part of the game, thanks to access and experiences such as playing on an NBA court and giving fun to the players In the tunnel and more. There is no doubt that Danny has ‘opened the appetite’ for a full NBA experience, and the demand has increased.”

How are you preparing for next season?

“The pre-sale for next season is in full swing, and allows you to reserve a spot for every trip along with early registration discounts and other benefits. Another trend that creates demand is the fact that the dollar exchange rate is low, so, similar to other vacations, this is a worthwhile opportunity for the Israeli audience to plan an NBA experience for next season.

“Of course the Israeli audience wants to see the Israeli players, Danny Avdia, Ben Sharaf and Danny Wolf and we will follow them and Portland will definitely be a major destination, but our trips, throughout the years, offer a wide variety of destinations and teams in the United States alongside exclusive experiences throughout the league. Our goal is to match each fan with the perfect journey for them.”

Is there a fear that if Danny gets injured or loses his fitness, the hype of the Israelis around the league will also decrease?

“Danny contributed a lot to the exposure and interest, but the Israeli audience’s love for the NBA is already established and deep. He accelerated an existing trend. Even if there will be natural ups and downs in a player’s career, the audience that has already connected to the league remains with the passion for the game itself.”