Direct flights to boost two-way tourism between Israel and Philippines

DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat and Israel Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov

Israel Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov held a meeting with Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat in the Israel Pavilion at the World Travel Market (WTM) held in London. 

The two ministers discussed about the great potential of both Philippines and Israel to see the tourists in each country. They also talked about the matters regarding the direct flights and how it will be a game changer to boost two-way tourism for both countries. According to Razvozov, Israel had reached an amazing and historic record in 2019, with (more than) 33,000 Filipinos arriving in Israel. 

"We are looking forward to seeing the Filipino tourists in Israel. In 2019 we had a record number of tourists from the Philippines – about 33,000. We hope to have at least the same numbers soon. The new direct flights will give a massive boost for the tourism between our two countries." 

On the other hand, data from Department of Tourism that 22,851 Israelis visited the Philippines. Philippine passport holder is visa free to Israel up to 90 days. Israel Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov also invited DOT Secretary Puyat to join the IMTM happening in February 2022. The IMTM is an annual tourism event that brought together travel and trade industry partners to introduce new attractions and tourist destinations.