Tourism Secretary Opens PH Pavilion at Mediterranean Tourism Fair in Israel
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat leads the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the opening of the Philippine booth at the 25th International Mediterranean Tourism Market. She is joined by Ambassador to the Israel, Neal G. Imperial, Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., and Philippine Honorary Consul to Ashdod and Southern Israel Boaz Waksman. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
TEL AVIV 19 February 2019 — Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat opened the Philippine pavilion at the 25th International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) in Tel Aviv, on 12 February 2019.
This is the fourth participation of the Department of Tourism (DOT) to the IMTM. This year, the Philippines has the largest booth in the annual travel fair, with the participation of 15 Philippine travel agency and hotel representatives.
“The DOT will promote sustainable tourism and invites Israelis to visit the country to experience its culinary tourism, heirloom recipes and slow food process, rich cultural diversity, and exciting eco-tourism activities,” Secretary Romulo-Puyat said.
“Israeli tourist arrivals to the Philippines reached 20,343 in 2018 with 16.66 percent growth from 2017. The 20,000 mark was achieved, despite the closure of Boracay for six months. This proves that beyond the perfect sunsets and the natural beauty of our 7,600 islands, the caring, friendly and hospitable nature of Filipinos has always been the main reason why our people are close to the hearts of Israelis, and why they keep coming back to the Philippines,” said Ambassador to Israel Neal G. Imperial.
Secretary Romulo-Puyat also met with Israel Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin and discussed initiatives to maintain the momentum of the growing two-way tourism between the two countries while ensuring sustainable tourism. She thanked Minister Levin for signing a new bilateral labor accord that will allow at least 1,000 Filipino hotel workers in Israel.
Secretary Romulo-Puyat hosted a Philippine Tourism Gala Night at the Grand Ballroom of Hilton Tel Aviv. The event was attended by around 100 guests including Israel Ministry of Tourism Director General Amir Halevi, Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Asia-Pacific Division Director General Gilad Cohen, MFA East Asia Director Yaron Mayer, members of Diplomatic Corps, Israeli travel and tour operators, businessmen, public relations and media outfits, airline representatives, and the Filipino-Israeli community.
Also at the event, the DOT awarded a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Nuseir Yassin for his “Nas Daily” viral videos on the Philippines and Filipinos.
Tourism Undersecretary Benito C. Bengzon Jr., Head of DOT’s Tourism Development, stressed the importance of social media influencers on people’s travel and lifestyle. “The Department of Tourism recognizes the contribution of the viral videos of Nas Daily, which reached around three million views each, in bringing the Philippines to the consciousness of travelers, particularly those who are searching for new multi-adventure destinations.” END
For more information, visit www.telavivpe.dfa.gov.ph, www.philippine-embassy.org.il or https://www.facebook.com/PHinIsrael/.
Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, Ambassador to Israel Neal Imperial, and Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. poses with other officials of the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Embassy in Tel Aviv, award-winning sand artist, Ma. Monica Regalario, and 15 Philippine travel agency and hotel representatives at the Philippine booth. (Tel Aviv PE photo)
Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Minister Yariv Levin met at the Ministry of Tourism and discussed further cooperation to sustain growth in two-way tourism. (Tel Aviv PE photo)