Haim Gutin, Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America, sent us the following statement today. We are pleased to share it with you.
Despite the tensions of the recent weeks, please know that life in Israel, and tourism to Israel, does go on and we welcome all visitors in peace. Some 75,000 tourists are currently in the country, and their travel arrangements are proceeding as planned. As you know, a cease-fire is now in place and we are hopeful that the end of this episode is both near and durable. It is important for tour operators and all those in the travel industry to know that the Ministry of Tourism is developing a “day after” marketing plan to get all aspects of travel to Israel back on track as speedily as possible. 2013 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel, and the first half of 2014 exceeded that record. It is our goal to return to those high levels of tourism as quickly as possible. With your help and support, this is an objective we can reach together. The Ministry of Tourism in North and South America is at your service to respond to inquiries, concerns, and to restoring “business as usual” very soon.
Shalom.
Haim Gutin