The Philippines and Israel have agreed to strengthen cooperation on tourism as more Filipinos are expected to visit the Holy Land and experience the country's rich history and culture.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco and Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz, who is currently in the Philippines, signed on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the joint declaration to foster cooperation in the field of tourism as part of both countries' strategic effort to enhance tourism relations.
Katz said Israel is excited to see "such strong interest from Filipino travelers," and with the upcoming Jubilee Year, it is expecting that "even more Filipinos will be eager to experience the Holy Land and the rich history, culture, and hospitality Israel offers."
"We hope to see direct flights between Israel and the Philippines very soon, this will boost tourism and people to people exchange," he added.
Israeli Ambassador to Manila Ilan Fluss said Katz' visit was "proof of the strong, historically friendly bilateral relations" between Israel and the Philippines, especially in tourism.
Fluss said he is hoping that the move will encourage tourism exchanges between the two nations, particularly with the visa-free travel for Filipinos to Israel and vice versa.
"I invite Filipinos to experience Israel not just as the Holy Land but to enjoy culinary and experience the Land of Innovation and Start-Up Nation," Fluss said.
Since opening its tourism office in the Philippines in 2017, Israel has witnessed a 65 percent rise in Filipino visitors in its first year alone.
In 2023, a record-breaking 33,000 Filipinos also traveled to Israel.