SAYONI BHADURI – Mumbai
In a recent visit to India Albert Benabou, director, National Israel Tourism Office, India said that he hopes that the ties between India and Israel now extends to tourism as well. In an effort to promote Israel as more than a pilgrim destination, Benabou said, “We have been in close contact with the major tour operators in the country and have come to the conclusion to set up an air connectivity between the two nations. We believe that this will be beneficial for both the nations,” he added. However, he declined to divulge any further details of the air connectivity. The recently set up National Israel Tourism Office, India is going all out to work with the Indian travel fraternity. They have conducted a special research on understanding the Indian traveller and are preparing the destination to the special needs.
Judah Samuel, director of marketing, National Israel Tourism Office, India said, “Apart from a pilgrimage, Israel plans to promote herself as a MICE destination as well.” Benabou added, “We intend to use Indian cinema as a tool to promote the destination, not just with marketing and promotions but also inviting Indian producers and location consultants for a recce for film production.”
