Israel is launching a global campaign to attract vaccinated tourists from the end of May. Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen announced the launch of the campaign as well as some of its deployment, which will be gradual. The Minister said the country would first welcome a limited number of organized vaccinated groups from the end of May onward, before allowing an unlimited number of groups to enter a month later. The plan is that starting from July, vaccinated independent travelers would be able to enter the country.
The campaign includes the promoting international events, such as the Pride Parade in Tel Aviv, as well as bolstering incentives for foreign airlines to operate flights to the Ramon Airport near Eilat. From July it would then allow independent vaccinated travelers.
Israel today is a world leader in safety and health, and we will make sure every potential tourist knows this when planning their summer or winter vacation
Orit Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Minister of Tourism
According to The Times of Israel, the country’s Health Ministry has nonetheless expressed some concerns. In light of the recent deadly coronavirus variants sweeping many countries, most notably India, the Health Ministry has recommended delaying the relaunch of tourism until June
Israel will be trying to specifically attract travelers from the United Arab Emirates, the United States and United Kingdom. Billboard ads will be set up in Dubai, in both English and Arabic, marking a milestone as the first time the Israeli government has launched such a campaign in the United Arab Emirates.
Additional billboards will be placed in New York’s Times Square and London’s Piccadilly Circus, each with a different design but all with a common message: Book your flight to Israel.
The UK and US have always been large markets for inbound tourism. I have no doubt, we will see many tourists from all three countries within a short period of time
Farkash-Hacohen, Israel’s Minister of Tourism
The Minister acknowledged some criticism aimed at her plan but proposed to move forward nonetheless in a safe and secure manner. “We are gradually reopening tourism to Israel, to ensure we protect the health and well-being of all Israelis, while enabling those in the tourism sector to return to work and rebuild, and welcoming back the many people yearning to return.”
