TW’s Editor Anirban Dasgupta in conversation with Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing at Israel Ministry of Tourism
Thank you for joining us today. To start, could you please highlight the major tourism offerings in Israel?
Absolutely! The types of experiences travellers seek can vary significantly based on the duration of their visit, typically ranging from five to seven nights. Travellers often explore iconic cities such as Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the Dead Sea. What’s great about Israel is that it caters to various interests – whether you’re drawn to adventure tours or sustainable tourism. Sustainable tourism is a hot topic now, but we’ve been practicing it for a long time through experiences that promote local exposure and immersion in nature. With a 500 km stretch from north to south, Israel is small yet packed with diverse attractions and adventures, all within a six to seven-hour drive.
That sounds fantastic! Due to various geo-political circumstances, safety is often a concern for travellers; can you elaborate on the safety situation in Israel?
Safety is our top priority, and we have robust data to support our claim that Israel is a safe place to visit. From January to July of last year alone, 6,500 Indian passport holders visited Israel without any active promotions. This demonstrates the confidence that travellers worldwide have in our destination. We’re currently enhancing our promotional efforts to reassure potential visitors that Israel remains a safe travel choice. Once you arrive, the renowned security measures in place ensure that you feel at ease during your stay.
That’s encouraging to hear! What about solo women travellers? Is Israel a safe destination for them?
Absolutely! While the interest in solo female travel from India is relatively recent, many women have been traveling solo in Israel for years. I can confidently say that it is safer for a woman to walk the streets of Israel than many other places, including India. The hospitality and safety provided in Israel make it a welcoming environment for solo female travellers.
What are some of the challenges you face while promoting tourism to Israel?
Honestly, I don’t find it particularly challenging. Israel, despite its small size, offers a wealth of experiences, from historical sites to adventure activities. Being the birthplace of three major religions and a land filled with creation, there are ample opportunities for tourism. It’s a captivating destination that speaks for itself.
How significant is the Indian market for Israeli tourism?
The Indian market is incredibly important to us. Recent surveys indicate that India is among the top four countries eager to visit Israel, alongside Britain, Spain, and the US. The bond between India and Israel has been consistently strong, especially in times of mutual support.
With a very positive bilateral relationship between the two countries, there is significant potential in the Indian market, and we’re working diligently to tap into the right demographics and timings to enhance our presence in India.
Are there any special incentives or programs for Indian travellers and stakeholders?
Yes, indeed! We are introducing an e-visa initiative that will make it even more easier for Indian travellers to visit Israel. India will be the first country where we launch this e-visa program, streamlining the process for our Indian visitors.
That’s an exciting development! Could you tell us about your media strategy and upcoming plans to promote tourism in Israel?
Our media strategy includes a series of targeted activities to strengthen our connections with media outlets. We’re planning various media activation programs in major cities like Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, focusing on cultural activities and culinary experiences. Familiarization trips are also part of our approach to help media representatives experience Israel firsthand. We’re committed to shaping the narratives surrounding our destination, and we plan to kick off these campaigns by October-November.
Thank you for sharing those insights with us today! We look forward to seeing Israel become an even more popular destination for travellers from India.
Thank you for having me! We’re excited to welcome more visitors from India and showcase everything Israel has to offer.
Photo: Unsplush
