Israel and the Philippines sign MoU to enhance tourism cooperation

During Minister of Tourism Haim Katz's visit to Manila, Israel and the Philippines signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen tourism collaboration. The agreement, signed with Philippine Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco, covers marketing, aviation, innovation, digitisation, and cooperation in international organisations.

Minister Katz's visit included a keynote speech at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association conference and meetings with various stakeholders in the tourism sector, including the President of Philippine Airlines (PAL). Discussions also focussed on renewing direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv, with PAL aiming to launch the route in the second half of 2025.

Katz stated, "Upon taking office, I identified a significant increase in the number of tourists from the Philippines, which has remained stable even during challenging times, including during the war. The Philippines is a key country in Asia, and its citizens view Israel as a must-visit destination. We are committed to continuing and strengthening tourism ties with the Philippines and deepening cooperation between our nations." 

Frasco added, "Israel and the Philippines share a tradition of warm relations, a common heritage, and shared faith, emphasized through cultural and tourism exchanges. We will continue to share knowledge in areas such as sustainable tourism and accessible tourism, aiming to strengthen the bond between our countries." 

This initiative is expected to enhance travel for Filipino tourists to Israel, which ranked fifth in tourist arrivals in 2024, with around 40,000 visitors, primarily for religious purposes. The upcoming Christian Jubilee Year in 2025 is anticipated to further boost religious tourism, as visitors can receive a "Certificate of Forgiveness" from the Pope.

Both officials emphasised the importance of the MoU in fostering tourism ties and shared cultural heritage. The agreement builds on a previous 1987 accord and sets the stage for expanded cooperation in the future.