Israel Ministry of Tourism addresses travel safety and accessibility concerns

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) on September 19, 2024, held a virtual meeting led by Hassan Madah, Director of North America - Marketing and Administration, alongside Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT India to update India's travel industry on the current situation in Israel.

A key focus of the discussion was ensuring the safety of travellers, with IMOT reiterating that most of Israel remains open for tourism. The meeting emphasised that while certain regions near the northern and southern borders are under heightened attention, the majority of the country continues to welcome visitors regularly from across the globe. The discussion also addressed practical travel concerns, offering clarity on the visa process, travel insurance options, and multiple-entry visa requirements.

Highlighting the number of outbound travellers that Israel welcomed in 2024, Bangera stated, “The year of 2024 has witnessed a gradual yet steady rise in tourism to Israel, with 6,800 visitors from travelling from India and 672,400 globally, from January to August. Despite the current situation, we remain optimistic about continuing this growth as tourism across the country remains fully operational, with most areas being safe for travel. We are also working to streamline the visa process to make it easier for travellers to experience the beauty and diversity that Israel has to offer.”

Additionally, attendees were updated on the wide range of experiences Israel offers, spanning pilgrimage sites, beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and adventure tourism. IMOT's messaging underscored that Israel remains an attractive destination for all types of travellers.