The management of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel held a special meeting under the title “We Will Not Give Up on Israel”, with the aim of formulating courses of action for the restoration of Israel’s status and image by the private market in the absence of treatment and response from the state.

As part of the meeting held this week in Kibbutz Shefayim, the participants discussed the current trends in the global tourism market and the adjustments required in marketing Israel. In addition, the participants worked to draft a service charter for tourists who would consider coming to Israel, within the framework of which a customized experience is guaranteed that also ensures the safety and security of the tourists.

As part of the discussions, it emerged that if the issue of Israel’s image is not addressed, the industry will collapse completely. About two-thirds of the expert workers in the field have left the industry since the beginning of the war, and only about 1,000 remain through special assistance obtained by the Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz.

It was also decided during the special seminar to mobilize the Jewish community around the world to promote inviting family members and non-Jewish acquaintances to come and visit Israel. It is clear to the members of the Association that the fate of the industry is tied to Israel’s status and image, and as such they feel compelled to act within the very limited means at their disposal in order to save the image of Israel and the industry. Only when tourists return to Israel will Israel and Israelis be welcome abroad, and the first audiences to return will be Israel fans, Jews, and pilgrims to the holy places.

Lior Gelfand, Chairman of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel: “Israel’s image and status directly affect the Incoming Tour Operators, which has been almost completely shut down since the outbreak of the war. In the absence of effective action on behalf of the state, we have decided to act now and prepare in advance for the day when tourists return to Israel and examine how tourists can become ambassadors for Israel.”

Yossi Fatael, CEO of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel: “A country’s image and status are a strategic asset, as also stated in position papers published by the Institute for National Security Studies – INSS. Governments around the world invest heavily in the issue of state image, including through inbound tourism. Unfortunately, the State of Israel is neglecting the field, and in the process, economic damage has been caused to Israel, especially in the peripheral areas where about 15% of jobs depend on tourists. “We are in direct contact with colleagues from all over the world who tell us that Israel’s voice is not being heard”.