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OFWs' travel to Holy Land eyed by Israeli envoy

Philippines | National

OFWs' travel to Holy Land eyed by Israeli envoy

By Roy Mabasa

With the recent normalization of ties between Israel and some Arab countries, thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle East may soon be able to visit the Holy Land during their holiday breaks once the worldwide health crisis comes to a halt.

(AFP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

Israeli Ambassador to the Philippines Rafael Harpaz made this pitch in his remarks during the recent webinar on “Accelerating Tourism Recovery” on November 18, 2020, held under the auspices of the Israel Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ICCP).

Although the COVID-19 pandemic severely affected the lucrative tourism industries of both countries, Harpaz is optimistic that the “day will come when our doors will open again for travelers.”

Last month, the Philippines opened its domestic tourism market subject to the strict implementation of safety and health protocols.

Dorothy Drysdale, one of the resource persons in the webinar and head of International Communications of Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., discussed existing protocols for foreign nationals allowed to travel to the Philippines.

Drysdale emphasized the importance of updated information provided by proper authorities, an important role of travel agencies.

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism Sammy Yahia, Director for India and the Philippines, provided a glimpse of Israel’s history and people through the story of the “kibbutzim”.

Philippine Embassy in Tel-Aviv Chargé d’Affaires Reichel Quiñones expressed hope that soon, Israeli tourists will once again experience the charm of breath-taking destinations in the Philippines and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of Filipinos.

More than 100 participants from the tourism industries of the Philippines and Israel attended the webinar.

Israel has recently signed agreements with two major Arab countries, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, where hundreds of thousands of OFWs are based.

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