Philippines setup biggest booth in the IMTM 2019 in Tel-Aviv
As part of the Tourism Ministry’s effort to make Philippines one of the major tourism destinations in the world, the Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat is in Tel-Aviv to participate in the Annual International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) 2019.
Puyat was welcomed by the Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin on Monday, during a courtesy call to the Levin’s office in Jerusalem.
Starting direct flights from Manila to Israel was part of the discussions. Both the officials also enter into a labour agreement that allows up to 1,000 Filipinos to work in Israeli hotels.
Philippines Ambassador Neal Imperial, Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr., Israel Tourism Director to India and the Philippines Hassan Madah and embassy officials were also participate in the discussions.
“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,” said Levin.
From IMTM 2018
“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,” he added.
Statistics from the Israel Ministry of Tourism showed that a total of 28,600 Filipinos traveled to Israel in 2018 with a 31 per cent increase when compared to 2017. Meanwhile the Philippines achieved a growth of 16.61 per cent increase in 2018 over the previous year with a 20,343 Israelis visiting the country. Currently, Philippine passport holders can enjoy visa-free access to Israel up to 90 days.
The IMTM is an annual tourism event that brings together professionals and service providers from the tourism industry and introduces new attractions and tourist destinations. This year Philippines is planning to set up the largest booth in the event.