The 32nd edition of Israel’s flagship tourism exhibition opened on a positive note, drawing participation from international buyers, tourism professionals, and policymakers.
Speaking exclusively to BOTT, Israel Tourism Minister Haim Katz said India remains one of Israel’s most important source markets. “We are eager and fully prepared to welcome Indian travellers,” he said, highlighting the long-standing friendship, cultural links, and people-to-people connections between India and Israel. He added that Israel values Indian visitors and is keen to see travel from India grow steadily in the coming months.
Michael Izhakov, Director General of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, said Israel offers a complete and diverse travel experience. “Israel has everything a traveller looks for— rich history, religious and cultural heritage, beautiful beaches, mountains, adventure tourism, a vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle, and high-end hotels,” he said. According to him, the country caters to all segments, from leisure and pilgrimage to luxury and experiential travel.
Addressing concerns around safety, Izhakov said perceptions often differ from reality. “Contrary to what many people believe, Israel is very safe for international travellers. Tourism activities are running normally, and visitors are travelling across the country comfortably,” he said.
He added that tourism has already started picking up, with a visible increase in international arrivals. Improved air connectivity, renewed interest from key markets, and focused promotional efforts are contributing to this recovery. “All signs point towards this being a record year for international tourism in Israel,” Izhakov said.
IMTM 2026 is being seen as a critical platform to showcase Israel’s tourism strengths to the world and rebuild confidence among global travel trade partners. With clear messaging from the leadership and renewed engagement with key markets such as India, Israel is positioning itself for sustained tourism growth in the near future.
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