Tag Archives: Orit Farkash-Hacohen

Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen and Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein agreed on a framework for the opening of Israel to vaccinated groups of foreign tourists. Starting May 23, 2021, Israel will open its gates to foreigners after more than a year. In the first stage, groups will be allowed in under guidelines to be published by the Ministries.The agreements were reached following the work of the task force set up by the Ministries, including Head of Public Health Sharon Alroey-Price, Ph.D., and COVID Commissioner Professor Nachman Ash, as well as professionals from the Ministry of Tourism. Edelstein, “Israel is the first vaccinated country, and the citizens of Israel are the first to enjoy this result. After opening the economy, it is time to allow tourism in a careful and calculated manner. Opening the tourism is important for one of the fields most hurt during the COVID year. We will continue to look at easing regulations in accordance to the health situation.” Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, “I am pleased to give this important first step to the tourism industry. It is time that Israel’s unique advantage as a safe and healthy country start to assist it in recovering from the economic crisis, and not only serve other countries’ economies. Only opening the skies for international tourism will truly revive the tourism industry, including restaurants, hotels, sites, tour guides, busses and others looking to work and provide for their families. I will continue to work for the full opening of tourism to Israel, which will greatly assist the Israeli economy and create workplaces for many Israelis.”

At ITB Berlin industry experts shared their insights of travel recovery over a period of time. “As Israel vaccinates its population, the tourism and hospitality sectors are reopening, allowing us to plan for the return of tourists soon,” said Israel Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen. Noting that Israel has already vaccinated some 80 percent of its adult population, the destination is turning it into not only an attractive destination but a healthy destination. Minister Farkash-Hacohen summarized how the pandemic has affected Israeli tourism since March 2020. He said, “None of this of course is full compensation, but it helped during this difficult year, “she said.  “Now we are hopeful tourists can soon return, allowing the various tourism-oriented businesses to get back on their feet.” Speaking about the impact of vaccinations on travel, the Israeli Minister shared how positive they have been domestic “with five million people already vaccinated” from Israel’s nine-million strong population. She also stressed the need to find protocols allowing international carriers and visitors to fly to and from Israel: “This is my greatest challenge at the moment, and I am working with the health and transportation ministers to gradually open Israel’s skies and allow more tourists in.”  Referencing the date things will open, the Minister said, “It will take some time, possibly a month” or so, adding she was optimistic. “We need to find ways to open up travel,” Raki Phillips, CEO, Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority said, explaining why vaccinations were key to the reopening of the international tourism industry. “Also, from a safety and security perspective. Travel has to be enjoyable.” At the same time, Minister Sancho of Costa Rica said vaccinations are important, …

Israel is preparing to welcome tourists from the UAE and will be adhering to the advice of health experts to ensure it remains a safe destination in terms of COVID-19 exposure, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Tourism Minister said. The key aim of the forum was to build the foundation for a long-term tourism relationship between Israel and the UAE. The online event highlighted Israel’s position as an important historical and cultural destination. It focussed on the two urban gems of Israel – Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, featured its sandy beaches, a sprawling metropolis and breathtaking natural beauty. Jerusalem’s unique sites, holy to Christianity, Judaism and Islam, are also on the list of the country’s must-see locations. With great weather virtually all year round, tourists can enjoy the great outdoors, take in colourful markets, cutting-edge culture and entertainment and an exciting culinary scene. The forum witnessed an attendance of over 300 trade partners from the UAE and 100 partners from Israel. Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Tourism Minister said, “Tourism is key to building a lasting peace between countries, and Israel looks forward to welcoming travelers from the UAE. I am certain visitors from the Emirates and other countries will enjoy the unique blend of this new, and near, destination. Israel is where thousands of years of history meet modern day life. It is the home of Tel Aviv and the StartUp Nation and of ancient Caesarea and the magnificent Dead Sea. Israel’s unique religious sites are holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, with Jerusalem at their center. Alongside the sites, visitors will enjoy the people, culture, art, music and culinary delights.”  

Digital forum will be focusing on Israel as the new travel destination for UAE travellers. Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is all set to host its inaugural tourism forum on the December 16, 2020, following the normalization agreement with UAE. The aim of the forum is to highlight the new developments between the two nations and to showcase the tourism offerings of Israel to the travel trade of UAE. Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Orit Farkash-Hacohen will open the forum to welcome the participants. Panelists will include other officials from the Ministry who will present opportunities of Israel as a leisure and a MICE destination. Representatives from Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem Development Authority will also have their presence to promote the uniqueness of the two main gems of Israel. Along with the travel trade fraternity from UAE, this webinar will also be attended by partners from Israel. Followed after the forum, Israel’s Tourism Minister will also be addressing the media for an exclusive press briefing to discuss the strategy of the Ministry of Tourism to attract tourists from the UAE.

Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israeli Minister of Tourism welcomed the first Gulf Air flight from Bahrain to Israel, along with a delegation of key stakeholders in the tourism industry led by Minister of Economy and Tourism Zayed bin Rashid Al Zayani. Following the reception, Minister Farkash-Hacohen said, “The opening of direct flights, and the travel of people between the countries, is an essential step towards building peace between our nations. I look forward to hosting the Minister and his delegation, showing them a taste of Israel’s scenes and heritage, and introducing them to Israel’s private tourism sector.” The Bahraini delegation includes, in addition to the Minister, the Director of the Bahrain Tourism & Exhibitions Authority, the CEO and CCO of Gulf Air, and the Chairman of the Association of Bahrain Travel & Tour Agents. During the visit, which will last until Thursday, Israel’s Ministry of Education will hold a series of working meetings between the visitors and key players in the local tourism industry, including President of the Israel Hotel Association, Amir Hayak, CEO of The Israel Association of Travel Agencies & Consultants, Tali Laufer, and CEO of the Incoming Tour Operators Association, Yossi Fatael. Additionally, the Bahraini delegation will tour Jerusalem and visit Tel Aviv. “For the past two months we have worked hard to turn peace from an idea to a reality, and the tourism MOU between the countries is an important step in that direction,” Farkash-Hacohen said. “The tens of thousands of tourists who will arrive from Bahrain and the UAE when the skies reopen will experience Israel in the best way possible. Such visits contribute not only to building peace between the countries and people, but also towards …