by Jim Byers
Last updated: 9:19 AM ET, Mon May 24, 2021
The Israel Ministry of Tourism's pilot for tourist group arrivals has begun: Within only nine minutes of registration opening for inbound tour operators, the allotted quota was filled, and registration closed.
"I worked to ensure that the pilot for incoming vaccinated tourist groups would not be postponed, because of its importance," said Minister of Tourism MK Orit Farkash Hacohen: "At the same time, the ministry's staff is already working on preparations for the next, broader phase of tourists entering Israel."
"Finally, after over a year, Israel borders are open for incoming tourists," said Gal Hana, Israel Consul of Tourism to Canada. "As safe travel is one of Israel's main concern, it is a pilot which showcase the high safety standards which were implemented in the last year. Those, in combination with the overwhelming sites and experiences in Israel will guarantee the safe return and recovery of tourism to Israel.''
As part of the pilot for allowing tourist groups' entry into Israel, the Israel Ministry of Tourism published an invitation to tour operators to submit their request to bring one group during the pilot period. The total allocation for groups within the framework of this pilot is 20, with an allocation for another 20 in the event that the tour operators do not meet the necessary conditions. Each tour operator can bring one group, with five to 30 foreign nationals per group.
The high level of interest was expected, as in recent weeks agents from abroad have been in contact with the directors of Israel Government Tourist offices around the world, seeking information on when tourists will be allowed to enter Israel. The greatest level of interest is from the United States, England, and Germany
As part of the pilot, 20 groups of tourists will be hosted in Israel, who have been vaccinated with a vaccine approved by the Ministry of Health in Israel and come from those countries that meet the Health Ministry's requirements. In addition, the tourists participating in the pilot must perform two PCR tests - one up to 72 hours before entering Israel and one on arrival. The groups may arrive in Israel between now and June 15, after which a special permit will be required from the Ministry of Tourism.
The many efforts of the ministry's staff led by the Minister of Tourism with the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of the Interior and other government bodies have borne fruit, to reach agreements that will allow the tourism industry to return to operation. The move, which began today, is the first phase in the construction of an incoming tourism mechanism created by the professional staff at the Ministry of Tourism ahead of a much larger opening phase, expected immediately after the pilot.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzBotyJKnDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9EHdY2ne3Q&t=1s&ab_channel=VisitIsraelVisitIsrael
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