The Philippine and Israeli governments are working together to strengthen their tourism ties, aiming to boost two-way tourism in the near future. This commitment was formalized during the signing of a joint declaration of intent between Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz and Philippine Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco in Makati. The declaration highlights both countries’ shared interest in promoting cultural exchange and economic growth through tourism.
Frasco emphasized the importance of this collaboration, noting that it presents a unique opportunity to showcase each country's rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant cultures. She expressed confidence that this partnership would create meaningful connections between the people of both nations while driving economic benefits through travel. The Department of Tourism (DOT) plans to work closely with their Israeli counterparts to explore various areas of collaboration, such as gastronomy, pilgrimage, heritage tourism, and diving, which are popular among Israeli tourists.
This declaration sets the stage for a more formal agreement, with both parties still negotiating the details of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on tourism cooperation. However, the current security situation in Israel remains a factor, as the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) advisory urging Filipinos to postpone non-essential travel to Israel is still in effect. This advisory was first issued during the Israel-Hamas conflict and has been extended for certain types of travel, particularly to Israel and nearby regions.
Despite these challenges, Minister Katz expressed hope for an influx of tourists, especially in light of the 2025 Jubilee year for Roman Catholics, which is expected to draw Christian visitors to Israel. Katz also suggested the potential for direct flights between Israel and the Philippines to increase tourism flow and further strengthen bilateral relations.
The Philippines views Israel as an untapped market, especially given the popularity of its diving tourism, gastronomy, and adventure activities with Israeli visitors. In 2023, around 12,742 Israelis visited the Philippines, and this number has already risen in 2024. With the establishment of direct flights, the figure could potentially climb to 100,000.
The two countries also discussed ways to enhance their cooperation on human capital development and support for regional and cross-border tourism initiatives. While the security situation continues to be monitored, both governments remain committed to increasing tourism exchange and forging stronger diplomatic and cultural ties through this partnership.
Comments