Israel targets 50 per cent more Indian tourists in 2016

MUMBAI: Israel is targeting 50 per cent more Indian tourists in 2016, said a top executive from the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT). The country welcomed 13 per cent more Indian tourists in 2015, with approximately 40,000 Indian tourists visiting Israel compared to around 35,000 in 2014.

December 2015 alone has seen a growth of 52 per cent over last year, IMOT said. Israel attracted over three million visitors globally in 2015.

"Israel has been gaining popularity in India and has experienced a consistent growth in 2015. We have tripled the marketing budget for India in 2016 to tap the travel agents and direct consumers," Amir Halevi, director general, IMOT said in a press statement.

Witnessing growth and potential in the Indian market, IMOT recently organised a travel-trade interaction in Delhi and Mumbai to spread awareness about the destination and its offerings.

"In 2016, IMOT will have more tourism promotions and activities than ever in India and target the travel trade and direct customers through various marketing tools. We will also target end consumers through marketing on digital platforms," Hassan Madah, director, IMOT India said in the statement.

Madah said IMOT is also looking at associating with Bollywood to promote Indian films in Israel. It is also in discussions with the Civil Aviation Ministry and Indian airlines to have direct flights to Israel from India.