The Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv joined the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP) in a webinar on “Accelerating Tourism Recovery” on 18 November 2020.
In his opening remarks, Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz said that although the COVID-19 pandemic affected the tourism industries of both countries, the day will come when our doors will open again for travelers. He also noted the impact on Israel’s tourism of the normalization of diplomatic ties with neighboring Arab countries where some 200,000 overseas Filipino workers will now have the chance to visit the Holy Land.
“With the implementation of safety and health protocols, the Philippines opened domestic tourism last month. We hope that soon, Israeli tourists will once again experience the charm of breath-taking destinations in the Philippines and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos,” said Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv Chargé d’Affaires Reichel Quiñones.
Dorothy Drysdale, Head of International Communications of Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., a travel and tours company based in the Philippines since 1975, discussed existing protocols for foreign nationals allowed to travel to the Philippines. She emphasized the importance of updated information provided by proper authorities, an important role of travel agencies. Director for India and the Philippines of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism Sammy Yahia provided a glimpse of Israel’s history and people through the story of the “kibbutzim”.
The webinar was attended by more than 100 participants from the tourism industries of the Philippines and Israel.
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For more information, visit https://www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.philippine-embassy.org.il, or https://www.facebook.com/PHinIsrael.
