TBM Staff - Mumbai
Israel and the Philippines have taken a significant step forward in deepening their tourism collaboration with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement, signed during Israeli Minister of Tourism Haim Katz’s visit to Manila, focuses on marketing, aviation, innovation, and digitisation while strengthening ties in international organisations. This partnership underscores the shared heritage, faith, and cultural exchanges between the two nations, as emphasised by the Philippines’ Secretary of Tourism, Christina Garcia Frasco.
One of the key highlights of this visit was progress toward resuming direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv. Philippine Airlines (PAL) is preparing to launch the route in the second half of 2025, significantly enhancing accessibility for Filipino tourists to Israel. Minister Katz noted that the Philippines ranked fifth among incoming tourists to Israel in 2024, with 40,000 visitors, mostly traveling for religious purposes. The upcoming Christian Jubilee Year in 2025 presents a unique opportunity to boost religious tourism, offering pilgrims access to holy sites and the special “Certificate of Forgiveness.”
Minister Katz highlighted the resilience of Filipino tourists in maintaining steady travel numbers despite global challenges. He stressed Israel’s commitment to deepening ties with the Philippines and promoting tourism exchanges. Secretary Frasco echoed these sentiments, noting the shared vision of sustainable and accessible tourism as central to their partnership. The MoU builds on a 1987 agreement, expanding cooperation in marketing activities, travel seminars, and influencer collaborations.
The strengthened collaboration between Israel and the Philippines is set to enhance the tourism landscape, providing Filipino travellers with seamless access to Israel’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. This partnership not only promises economic growth but also fosters deeper connections through shared faith and cultural appreciation.
