Israel opens visa centre in Calcutta

Looking at the increase in number of tourists, the Israel embassy has opened a visa application centre in Calcutta. The centre, housed on the seventh floor of Acropolis Mall, will cater to Bengal and the Northeast.

“Residents of Calcutta and the Northeast will no longer have to send their documents to Delhi,” said Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism, India and Philippines.

India has emerged as one of the best performing markets in Asia for Israel. “In 2015, we recorded a tourist inflow of about 34,000. We have already achieved that in the first six months of 2018. Now with Air India coming in, we are hoping to treble the number,” he said.

El Al, the Israeli carrier, was the only direct connection from India till recently. “The carrier used to fly thrice a week from Mumbai and four times a week in peak season. But from March 22, Air India has started a direct service to Tel Aviv from Delhi, which was flying thrice a week initially. From July 12, they added a fourth flight. Talks are that Air India would fly daily from this winter.” The Air India’s direct check-in from Calcutta to Tel Aviv has helped travellers from Calcutta.