Tag Archives: Israel Ministry of Tourism

~The Ministry held a virtual meeting to reassure the travel fraternity regarding safety and accessibility~ The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) held a virtual meeting on 19th September 2024 to engage with travel agents, tour operators, media professionals, and the travel fraternity across India to offer updates on the current situation in Israel. The meeting was led by Hassan Madah, Director of North America – Marketing and Administration, alongside Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT India. A key focus of the discussion was ensuring the safety of travelers, with IMOT reiterating that most of Israel remains open for tourism. The meeting emphasized that while certain regions near the northern and southern borders are under heightened attention, the majority of the country continues to welcome visitors on a regular basis from across the globe. The discussion also addressed practical travel concerns, offering clarity on the visa process, travel insurance options, and multiple-entry visa requirements. Additionally, attendees were updated on the wide range of experiences Israel offers, spanning pilgrimage sites, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and adventure tourism. IMOT’s messaging underscored that Israel remains an attractive destination for all types of travelers. Highlighting the number of outbound travelers that Israel welcomed in 2024, Amruta Bangera stated, “The year of 2024 has witnessed a gradual yet steady rise in tourism to Israel, with 6,800 visitors from travelling from India and 672,400 globally, from January to August. Despite the current situation, we remain optimistic about continuing this growth as tourism across the country remains fully operational, with most areas being safe for travel. We are also working to streamline the visa process to make it easier for travelers to experience the beauty and diversity that …

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is thrilled to announce its participation in the upcoming OTM 2024, one of the most prestigious gatherings in the travel and trade industry. Set to take place from 8-10th February at Jio World Convention Center, BKC, Mumbai, this event promises to be a pivotal platform for global collaboration, networking, and innovation. As a key player in promoting tourism and fostering economic growth, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is dedicated to showcasing the diverse and vibrant offerings of our nation to the world. Our participation in this esteemed event underscores our commitment to enhancing international partnerships, driving tourism initiatives, and advancing sustainable travel practices. During the event, the Israel Ministry of Tourism accompanied by 5 Israeli DMCs will engage with industry leaders, stakeholders, and delegates from around the globe to exchange ideas, explore new opportunities, and forge strategic alliances. Through thought-provoking discussions, insightful presentations, and immersive experiences, we aim to highlight the unique cultural heritage, natural wonders, and exciting tourism prospects that our country has to offer. Israel, with its rich history, cultural diversity, and breathtaking landscapes, is poised to offer unique and unforgettable experiences to Indian travelers. We invite you to explore our latest attractions and developments, collaborate with us in creating exceptional travel packages, and be part of our journey to make Israel a preferred destination for Indian travelers. Let’s build lasting partnerships and contribute to the growth of the travel industry together. Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, India, said, “Participation in OTM is significant for Israel for several reasons. It provides us with a platform to showcase the diverse and rich cultural experiences, historical sites, and natural beauty that our destination has to …

A team from the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s India Office led by Director Sammy Yahia, along with Consul General of Israel and Govardhan Eco Village’s Director – Shri Gauranga Das Prabhu met with Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, to inaugurate the Indo-Israel Partnership for Experimental Learning between the Israel Ministry of Tourism and Govardhan Eco Village. The Ministry of Tourism and Govardhan Eco Village are working closely together to curate a comprehensive 10-day course for the students that will expose them to Sustainable Ecosystems in India (3 days) – at the Govardhan Eco Village, and in Israel (3 days), as well as an immersive cultural experience in Israel (4 days).  The Experimental Learning Partnership courses are being curated to attract approximately 5,000 young Indian adults, over the next 3 years, in higher levels of education, to offer them the opportunity to experience Israel. While the education program is still be designed, scholars will study the different aspects of sustainability in Israel, while increasing awareness of Israel’s excellent education system.  The cultural aspects of the course will include immersive experiences in different parts of Israel.  This could include visiting the Dead Sea Region – for its unique ecosystem; Jerusalem for its interesting history, architecture and cultural diversity; and Tel Aviv for its leading start-up ecosystem. Sammy Yahia, Israel’s Director of Tourism for India and Philippines said, “I am elated by the interest of the Govardhan Eco Village to exploit Israel’s immense potential and making it available to young Indian adults, who can come to Israel and learn about environmental sustainability and ecotourism, while experiencing the unique culture of Israel.”

The Israel Ministry of Tourism, India Office will conduct a virtual presentation for the Indian travel trade on Tuesday, 13 July at 3pm IST. The session will highlight various offerings on leisure and MICE. To sign up, contact Jaspreet Kaur on 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com. Highlighting the importance of the India market for Israel, Sammy Yahia, Director of Tourism (India & Philippines), Israel Tourism, says, “In the last year, the travel industry around the world has experienced significant challenges, especially in the Indian trade. With new travel relaxations being introduced every day I believe that in the next few years, India will lead the international travel boom with many Indian travellers itching to experience new international destinations.  Before the pandemic, Israel welcomed over 65,000 tourists from India, setting a new record for us. I feel that in the coming months and year, when things normalise, we will double the number of arrivals from India to Israel.”

The Israel Ministry of Tourism, India Office will conduct a virtual presentation for the Indian travel trade in all the seven states of the North East region of India today at 3pm IST. The session will highlight various offerings on the theme of Christian faith. To sign up, contact Jaspreet Kaur on 9650196532 or jaspreet.kaur@ddppl.com or click on https://event.webinarjam.com/register/251/5v7qwi90 Highlighting the importance of the India market for Israel, Sammy Yahia, Director of Tourism (India & Philippines), Israel Tourism, says, “In the last year, the travel industry around the world has experienced significant challenges, especially in the Indian trade. With new travel relaxations being introduced every day I believe that in the next few years, India will lead the international travel boom with many Indian travellers itching to experience new international destinations.  Before the pandemic, Israel welcomed over 65,000 tourists from India, setting a new record for us. I feel that in the coming months and year, when things normalise, we will double the number of arrivals from India to Israel.”

Israel has recorded a 21 per cent growth in Indian tourist arrivals with around 70,800 travellers visiting the country from January to December, 2018 vis-a-vis 58,700 tourists in 2017 and 44,700 in 2016. This marks a whopping growth of 58 per cent from 2016 to 2018, as per the statistics released by Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT). Speaking about the positive growth, Hassan Madah, Director, Israel National Tourism office in India and Philippines, Israel Ministry of Tourism, said, “2018 has been an outstanding year for Israel Tourism in India and worldwide as we welcomed a record-breaking 4.12 million tourists into the country. With a rapid increase in leisure outbound trips, India is an important market for us possessing tremendous potential to become one of the key source markets for Israel in the coming years. We have seen Israel emerge as a preferred tourist destination for Indians owing to its dynamic offerings, opening of more direct air routes and relaxation of visa procedures”. He also added, “Our marketing efforts, collaborations with travel agents, introduction of Air India’s direct flight operations from New Delhi and a further increase of frequency on that route along with an increase in seat capacity on El Al have contributed appreciably to the growth numbers. Ministry’s initiatives to reduce the visa fee for Indians coupled with the opening of a visa application centre in Kolkata have been seen as a welcoming move to increase interest among Indian travellers”.

With an average load factor exceeding 80 per cent and the increased demand on Air India’s New Delhi-Tel Aviv flight services, the national carrier has added a fifth weekly flight starting November 26, 2018. The airline will now fly five days a week including Monday in addition to Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday on the 256-seater Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft departs from New Delhi at 16:50 pm and arrives in Tel Aviv at 20:45 pm (local time). On its return leg, the flight departs from Tel Aviv at 22:15 pm and lands in Delhi on the following day at 8:15 am. In addition to Air India’s announcement, Israeli carrier El Al has introduced a new Boeing 777-200ER aircraft on its Mumbai-Tel Aviv route. The new airplane has a capacity of 279 seats in a four-class configuration of First, Business, Economy Plus and Economy. El Al is the only airline currently servicing the direct Mumbai-Tel Aviv sector with three weekly non-stop flights. The aircraft departs at 12:20 pm every Sunday, Monday and Thursday from Mumbai and arrives in Tel Aviv at 16:50 pm (local time). On its return leg, the plane departs from Tel Aviv at 20:15 pm every Saturday and Sunday to land in Mumbai on the following day at 7:30 am. On Thursdays, the flight takes off at 8:30 am from Tel Aviv to reach Mumbai at 19:45 pm. These announcements have come at a time when Israel Ministry of Tourism has recorded a growth of 58 per cent with 48,800 Indian arrivals to the country from January to September 2018 vis-à-vis 30,800 Indian visitors during the same period in 2016.

In an effort to encourage more Indian travellers to visit Israel, the Embassy of Israel in India has opened a Kolkata Israel Visa Application Centre for West Bengal and Northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Additionally, visa applications in jurisdiction under the New Delhi centre are also acceptable at the new Kolkata Centre. The visa application categories include B1 for employment, B2 for business, tourism, meeting or conference and A2 for students. Commenting on the new opening, Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism – India & Philippines said, “Israel is experiencing a tourism boom like never before. India has recorded a half yearly growth of 82% as compared to the same period in 2015 and has become one of the best performing markets in Asia for Israel. The new centre in Kolkata will no longer require residents from West Bengal and Northeastern states to send in their documents to the Embassy in New Delhi.” Among other initiatives, Israel recently announced a reduction in visa fees to Rs 1,100 from its previous Rs 1,700 charge for Indian citizens. In December last year, relaxed visa documentation was brought in for applicants who have availed visas of Schengen countries, US, Canada, Australia or Israel and have completed their travel to these destinations. Madah added, “The Ministry of Tourism will be conducting a roadshow in Kolkata on August 29 to increase interest for the destination among consumers and trade fraternity.”

Israel Ministry of Tourism has joined hands with Ola cabs in India to collaborate on a two-week contest that will run on the Ola app which is valid for its Mumbai and Pune users only. The Ola users who undertake the maximum number of rides during the two weeks period and use code ISRAEL stand a chance to win a free trip to Israel for three nights or four days. Utilising Push notifications, in-App promotion, e-mailers , Ola Website and their Social Media pages, the ride-sharing company will promote the contest. Talking more about the association Hassan Madah, Director – Israel Ministry of Tourism, India & Philippines said, “Ola is one of the largest taxi services in India and have a large user base, especially in metro cities. Today, many urban dwellers use the services of taxi hiring in big cities as it is convenient. We are always thinking of distinct ways to promote Israel and felt this association with Ola cabs will help us reach Ola’s over 80 lakh users in Mumbai and Pune. We look forward to creating more awareness of the beautiful destination among Ola users so that they can plan a trip soon to Israel.” Israel has welcomed close to 10,000 Indian travellers between January and March, resulting in a 15% increase in Indian tourists arrivals compared to the same period in 2016. With the recent addition of Air India’s direct connection from Delhi to Tel Aviv, Israel hopes to witness one lakh Indian tourist arrivals in 2018.

Nine leading travel agents from India were among 130 other agents from 16 countries to attend the 7th Israel ‘Where Else’ Tourism Conference held by the Israel Ministry of Tourism for the world travel industry. The travel agents from India were accompanied by Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India and Philippines. The group explored beach tourism in Eilat and Dead Sea, tours in the North focusing on religion and history and city breaks in Tel Aviv- Jaffa and Jerusalem. In addition, business meetings were held between the Indian delegates and Israeli wholesalers and hoteliers. Elaborating on this Fam, Madah said, “Israel has witnessed another year of record breaking tourist arrivals with over 55,000 Indians who have travelled to the country through November 2017. It was important for us to showcase Israel to key Indian travel trade through our biggest annual tourism conference in Israel. The conference was a wonderful experience that exposed the Indian travel trade to varied offerings and experiences in Israel.” The week-long convention aimed to expose attendees to the tourism brands in Israel along with the country’s recreation, entertainment and leisure options.