Israel instils confidence in partners
While it is still uncertain when air connections between India and Israel will resume or whether there will be any change in the visa regime, Israel has continued to engage the travel trade here. Sammy Yahia, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism – India and Philippines, shares more details.
QPleaseshareanon-ground updatefromIsraelinterms ofsafetymeasurestakenbyhotels,
Israel’s ministries of tourism and health, with support of the local municipal corporations and governing bodies, have created SOPs to ensure measures have been taken to reopen tourism. The ministries have outlined the ‘Purple Standard’ for operating hotels in the country. Restaurants and bars have been offered the opportunity to expand their seating area to public spaces to be able to comply with physical distancing rules.
QHowareyouengagingthe traderightnow? The Israel Government Tourist Office India (IGTO India) has been working with agents and operators across segments during the lockdown. We have conducted virtual destination training sessions for them as well as their team members who are involved with selling the destination.
IGTO India has also taken care to keep our partners in the trade, corporates, and travellers aware of the developments in Israel, especially with regards to the new regulations implemented by the ministries of health and tourism that are in line with WHO guidelines. We want to ensure that all our partners feel confident in Israel and this is being done through virtual meetings and presentations, press releases and newsletters, as well as connecting our partners in India with their counterparts in Israel.
The IGTO India team has also been working on an advanced programme to create an ‘Israel Specialist’ in select cities so agents have access to the destination.
QAreyouexpectingany change in the visa regime forIndiannationals?
At the moment, Israel limits entry to Israeli passport holders, residence visa holders, and passengers with specific entry approval, and all arrivals must enter 14-day quarantine. Therefore, it is highly recommended
to contact the embassy prior to flying to inquire if entry will be permitted.
While we are keen to see Indian travellers visit Israel, it is our responsibility to ensure that tourists are safe while travelling to and from our destination.
While we are keen to see Indian travellers visit Israel, it is our responsibility to ensure that tourists are safe while travelling to and from our destination