When Gal Hana was asked to take on the role of Consul and Senior Director, Sales & Business Development for the Israel Ministry of Tourism in Canada, the sales pitch was compelling.
“It was 2019 and travel to Israel was at a peak. The Minister told me it was a great time to get into new markets, like sports and wellness and LGBT tourism, and build on our success. Then came COVID,” said Hana, in an interview with TravelPulse Canada prior to his farewell party at Toronto’s Boulevard Club.
(Left to right) Elie Abitbol, Gateways International, El Al's Dina Kutner and Khalid Ismail, Volare Group at Gal Hana's farewell party. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
When the pandemic finally released its grip on the world, tourism came roaring back. In 2023, Hana and Israel were finally seeing progress, with Canadian visitors poised to meet or exceed 2019 numbers. Then came October 7 and the Hamas attack that plunged Israel into war.
“The past five years was completely different from what was planned,” Hana understated. It would be easy for him to curse his luck, but as a self-proclaimed optimist, he chooses to focus on the positives of the role that brought him, his wife Rafit, and their four children to Canada.
Fun with selfies at Gal Hana's farewell party. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“When we arrived, we didn’t know anyone in Canada. But I soon found out that the travel industry here is like a family, very professional, but very warm and welcoming. It’s like a small country club and that’s what I love about it.”
Hana says he believes the transformative nature of travel and the amazing experiences available to industry members, is what makes the travel sphere so fulfilling. It’s also critical that people travel to learn about the realities of places and people.
Gal and Ravit Hana. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“You don’t come back from travel the way you left. That’s why it’s so important. The world is complicated. It’s easy to write nasty things online, but when you come see with your own eyes, when you see the other side – even if you don’t agree – you leave with a better understanding,” Hana said.
“Tourism is education,” he added. “And in the industry, we are change agents.”
Collette's Ron Lonsdale with TravelBrands' Sam Youssef. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Hana says he considers himself a strategic thinker, but the experience of the past five years has changed him. “If I learned anything from this time, it’s to live day to day. Don’t think so far ahead, because you never know what is going to happen.”
Hana is leaving the tourism industry for now, but will stay in Canada in a new private sector role. The Israel Ministry of Tourism location in Toronto will remain open, with Jerry Adler, Deputy Director Canada/Director of Public Relations as the key contact.
Guests chatting at Israel Ministry of Tourism's Gal Hana's farewell party. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
“Whether it was opening business for cruise lines in Israel or supporting Pride in Tel Aviv, Gal has made his mark in promoting this multi-layer destination,” Adler said. “But the office is not closing in Toronto. I’m here for another 25 years,” he added with a smile.
Three representatives of Israel’s hotel industry took the opportunity to speak at Hana’s farewell event, including the familiar Dan Hotels, with 17 properties across Israel, the two-year-old Kempinski Tel Aviv, where guests have included U.S. President Joe Biden and Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, and the luxury five-star The Inbal Jerusalem.
TravelPulse Canada's Bruce Parkinson with Gal Hana, Israel Ministry of Tourism. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
Hana had these words for leading Canadian travel sellers to Israel, many of whom attended the event. “Send people to Israel. It’s the most important thing that matters right now.”
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