Israeli Ministry of Tourism

Israeli Ministry of Tourism is a governmental agency responsible for promoting and developing Israel's tourism industry, working closely with El Al, Arkia Israel Airlines, and other Israeli airlines. The ministry collaborates with international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization and the International Air Transport Association to enhance Israel's reputation as a tourist destination, similar to Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Greek National Tourism Organization. The ministry's efforts are also supported by Ben Gurion Airport, Tel Aviv, and other major Israeli cities like Haifa and Eilat.

● History

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism was established in 1964, with Moshe Kol as its first minister, who worked alongside Levi Eshkol, the Prime Minister of Israel at the time. Since then, the ministry has been led by various ministers, including Abba Eban, Gideon Patt, and Uzi Landau, who have all contributed to the growth of Israel's tourism sector, with the help of Knesset members like Reuven Rivlin and Shimon Peres. The ministry has played a crucial role in promoting Israel's rich cultural heritage, including sites like the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Masada, which attract millions of visitors each year, including Christian pilgrims and Jewish tourists from around the world, particularly from United States, France, and Germany. The ministry has also worked to develop Israel's tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of Ben Gurion Airport and the construction of new hotels in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Eilat, with the support of Israeli companies like Elbit Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries.

● Responsibilities

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is responsible for promoting Israel as a tourist destination, both domestically and internationally, through partnerships with tour operators like Eldan Car Rental and Isramworld, and travel agencies like American Express and Thomas Cook. The ministry works to develop and implement tourism policies, in collaboration with other government agencies, such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Interior, to ensure the growth and development of the tourism industry, with the guidance of World Bank and International Monetary Fund. The ministry also provides support for tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and tour guides, through initiatives like the Israeli Tourism Abroad program, which promotes Israeli tourism in New York City, London, and Paris, with the help of Israeli embassies and consulates.

● Organization

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is headed by a minister, who is appointed by the Prime Minister of Israel, and is responsible for overseeing the ministry's activities, including the work of the Israel Tourism Commissioner, who represents Israel in international tourism organizations like the World Tourism Organization and the European Travel Commission. The ministry is divided into several departments, including the Marketing Department, which promotes Israel as a tourist destination through advertising campaigns and public relations efforts, with the help of McCann Erickson and Ogilvy & Mather, and the Development Department, which works to develop and improve Israel's tourism infrastructure, including the expansion of airports and the construction of new hotels, with the support of Israeli companies like Shikun & Binui and Africa Israel Investments. The ministry also has a number of regional offices, including in North America, Europe, and Asia, which work to promote Israel as a tourist destination in these regions, with the help of Israeli diplomats like Ron Prosor and Danny Ayalon.

● Initiatives

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has launched a number of initiatives to promote Israel as a tourist destination, including the Visit Israel campaign, which aims to attract more tourists to Israel, particularly from emerging markets like China, India, and Brazil, with the help of Chinese airlines like China Eastern Airlines and Air China. The ministry has also launched a number of programs to develop Israel's tourism infrastructure, including the Tourism Infrastructure Development Program, which provides funding for the construction of new hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related facilities, with the support of Israeli banks like Bank Hapoalim and Bank Leumi. Additionally, the ministry has worked to promote Israel's unique cultural and historical attractions, such as the Western Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, through partnerships with museums like the Israel Museum and the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, and cultural institutions like the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra and the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra.

● Statistics

The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has reported significant growth in tourism to Israel in recent years, with a record 4.5 million tourists visiting the country in 2019, including pilgrims to Christian holy sites like the Church of the Nativity and Jewish holy sites like the Western Wall, as well as tourists from Asia, particularly from China, Japan, and South Korea. The ministry has also reported an increase in tourism revenue, with tourism generating over $6 billion in revenue for the Israeli economy in 2019, with the help of Israeli hotels like The King David Hotel and The Dan Hotel, and tour operators like Egged and Dan Bus Company. The ministry expects continued growth in tourism to Israel in the coming years, driven by the country's unique cultural and historical attractions, as well as its natural beauty, including the Dead Sea and the Galilee, with the support of Israeli nature reserves like the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and Israeli national parks like the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve.