AVIATION
February 2026
ARKIA BOLSTERS GLOBAL TRAVEL PRESENCE WITH STRATEGIC ACQUISITION OF TALTUS-GALA STAKE
including flights and vacation packages, through direct and cost-effective channels. Their experienced team is known for providing high- level service that follows the customer from the moment of booking until they land at their destination, ensuring a reliable and modern consumer experience. Included in the deal is Gala Tourism and Vacation, a unique branch of the agency that began as a social enterprise dedicated to employing people with disabilities. Over the years, Gala has evolved into a major market player, serving tens of thousands of travelers annually. This integration allows Arkia to align its commercial growth with meaningful social values, offering high-quality service and attractive pricing while maintaining a commitment to community impact and inclusivity. such as the Garden Tomb in Jerusalem, a location many Christians believe to be where Jesus was crucified. Noga Sher-Greco, Director of Religious Tourism Marketing at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, reassured the audience that Israel is fully operational and safe for tourists. She underscored the strong recovery of religious tourism following the global pandemic and provided exciting updates on new attractions and important historical sites scheduled to open soon .
domestic and international passengers. This acquisition comes on the heels of a transformative year for Arkia. The airline has aggressively expanded its operations, incorporating
wide-body aircraft into its fleet and launching
ambitious new routes that span from New York in the West to Vietnam in the East. This latest business move is designed to support this rapid growth by providing a regular, IATA-authorized sales channel that enhances the airline’s ability to reach global audiences directly through sophisticated online platforms.Taltus-Gala brings sixteen years of industry expertise to the table, having established itself as a pioneer in digital sales within the Israeli aviation and tourism sectors. The agency is well-regarded for its ability to market a wide array of travel products,
The Israeli carrier acquires a 50% share in the digital travel pioneer to enhance its sales channels and streamline the booking experience for international travelers
I n a significant move to solidify its position as a comprehensive travel leader, Arkia, one of Israel’s premier airlines, has announced the acquisition of a 50% stake in the Taltus-Gala travel agency. This strategic partnership, finalized on January 19, 2026, marks
a pivotal moment for the airline as it seeks to expand its distribution network and deepen its digital footprint. By integrating Taltus-Gala’s established sales infrastructure, Arkia aims to offer a more seamless and technologically advanced booking process for both
I srael is actively deepening its connection with South Korea, a key Asian market, in a significant effort to make the Holy Land more accessible to international travelers. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism recently hosted a landmark seminar in Seoul to enhance cooperation, particularly focusing on promoting Israel as a premier destination for religious tourism and Christian pilgrimages. This strategic move aims to expand Israel’s presence in Asia and welcomes an influx of South Korean
Israel Strengthens Ties with South Korea to Boost Pilgrimage and Tourism
visitors eager to explore the country’s profound spiritual and historical sites. The prestigious Lotte Hotel in Seoul was the venue for this pivotal event, which forms a core part of Israel’s strategy to boost inbound tourism from South Korea. The seminar attracted over 200 influential attendees, including prominent Protestant church leaders, key local travel agents, and representatives from various airlines. The central theme was the promotion of Israel as a top choice for Christian pilgrims, highlighting sacred sites
A New Chapter in Asian Travel: Focus on Religious Journeys and Enhanced Air Connectivity
24 • www.itn.co.il
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