MANILA – At the Department of Tourism (DOT) office in Makati on Sept. 17, Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez, Jr. warmly received Israel Tourism Minister Yariv Levin, on a visit to exchange views on the promotion of tourism between the two countries. Both agreed to develop a bilateral cooperation on tourism within the framework of the Agreement signed by their respective governments in 1987.
Minister Levin highlighted the special role tourism cooperation can play for both economies: “When we put together the history of our relations, the natural attraction of the Philippines, and the spiritual attraction that Israel represents, the potential is huge.”
On the other hand, Secretary Jimenez remarked, “It is a great honor for the Philippines to have been chosen as the first trip abroad of Hon. Yariv Levin as Minister of Tourism. Your visit sends a very powerful message that we need to promote the Philippines in Israel, and any information on the Israel market would be greatly appreciated. It is also very timely as we are now reviewing areas of concentration in tourism promotion.”
On the Air Services Agreement signed last year, Minister Levin said, “We need to improve flights between Manila and Tel Aviv as there are no direct flights to and from these destinations except for chartered flights. There is actually keen interest in opening new routes.” DOT Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon, Jr. responded, “We are likewise working double time on chartered flights that would cater to the tourists in Israel.”
Both ministers agreed to the promotion of sustainable tourism through the sharing of best practices, exchange of experts and provision of trainings. Also discussed was embarking on exploratory projects on community-based programs focusing on, but not limited to, agri-tourism and ecotourism.
Secretary Jimenez believes that the visit is one way of celebrating awareness between each country. He said, “I hope that we can step up cultural exchange, especially in music,” responding to Minister Levin’s statement that “Israel’s tourism boasts of diverse music, food, culture, among others.”
Minister Levin also graced a Tourism conference attended by tour operators on Sept. 18 at the New World Makati Hotel. “We in Israel will welcome you with open hands and big smiles. If you come to Israel, you will enjoy every minute of it. Visiting Israel is not just an excursion, it is an experience for life.”
Statistics from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed that a total of 8,776 Israeli tourists arrived in the Philippines in 2014, up by 14 percent from 7,675 in 2013. Meanwhile, January-July 2015 arrivals already reached 6,900 revealing a 44.35% increase from the same period last year. The Philippines’ beautiful beaches, diving spots and island getaways are the main draws for Israelis. Asia is a major destination with more than 150,000 Israelis arriving each year.
Meanwhile, statistics from Israel’s Ministry of Economy showed that 11,156 Filipinos visited Israel last year. The Philippines is considered Israel’s 6th largest market in Asia. The exemption from visas to Israel since 1969 has helped develop outbound travel to said country. (Eagle News Service/Embassy of Israel)