Strengthen old bonds

Yariv Levin Bernadette Romulo-Puyat

Israel Tourism Minister greeted Philippines tourism minister during a courtesy call to minister’s office in Jerusalem last Feb. 11.

In the meeting, the two ministers discussed about the issue of the direct flights of Philippine Airlines to Israel and the signed labor agreement allowing up to 1,000 Filipinos to work in the Israeli hotels. Both countries take initiatives in encouraging tourism growth for both Filipinos going to Israel and Israelis to the Philippines. Also present in the meeting were Ambassador Undersecretary Israel Tourism Director to India and the Philippines and embassy officials.

“In 2018, we have reached an amazing and historic record with over 4.12 million tourists arriving in Israel. We have broken incoming tourism records and this achievement is the direct result of intensive work that we are doing at the Tourism Ministry. This achievement is a result of a revolutionary change in marketing strategy, infrastructure development, opening direct routes from new destinations, and creating collaborations with some of the largest travel agents in the world. Incoming tourism makes a huge contribution to both Israel’s economy and its “image” according to Minister Levin

Statistics from the Israel Ministry of Tourism showed that a total of 28,600 Filipinos traveled to Israel in 2018 with a 31 percent increase versus 2017 while Philippines achieved a growth of 16.61 percent increase in 2018 over the previous year with a 20,343 Israelis visiting the country. Philippine passport holder can enjoy visa free access to Israel up to 90 days.

The Philippine delegation headed by Department of Tourism Secretary Romulo-Puyat visited Israel to participate in the Annual International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM 2019) in Tel-Aviv, Israel. Philippines is stepping up its marketing activities having the biggest booth in the said event.

The International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM 2019) is an annual tourism event that brings together professionals and service providers from the tourism industry and introduces new attractions and tourist destinations.

Benito Bengzon Jr., Hassan Madah, Neal Imperial,