September 2026
ISRAEL’S INCOMING TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES NEW LEADERSHIP TO DRIVE TOURISM REVIVAL
Guy Kelner is appointed CEO, taking over from Yossi Fatael to guide the nation’s incoming tourism industry toward rebuilding, growth, and renewed global engagement
T he Board of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association has announced the appointment of Guy Kelner as its incoming Chief Executive Officer. Kelner will succeed Yossi Fatael, CEO of the Incoming Tour Operators Association, who is stepping down after 11 impactful years of leadership. To ensure a seamless strategic transition, Fatael will actively support Kelner throughout the onboarding period. Kelner brings over two decades of extensive executive, business, and public sector experience to his new role. His background combines deep familiarity with the travel and hospitality industry alongside a strong track record in organizational management, business development, government affairs, strategic communications, and public advocacy. Most recently, Kelner served as Vice President of the Rishon LeZion Municipal Company, overseeing core operations while expanding business development and new service revenues. Prior to that, he spent six years in senior executive positions within the Publicis
Israel Group, serving as CEO of Publicis Agenda, VP of Business Development for the group, and CEO of the Leo Burnett advertising agency. His foundation in tourism goes back to his leadership role as Chairman of ISSTA between 2002 and 2004, supplemented by leadership positions across advertising and executive management firms, including Inbar-Merhav-Shaked, Job Tov, and N.C.S. In addition to his business operations, Kelner has served 17 years as a member of the Ramat HaSharon City Council, where he also held the post of Deputy Mayor. His public sector background includes serving on local planning and building committees, as well as holding former leadership titles as Chairman of the National Union of Israeli Students and Chairman of the Tel Aviv University Student Union. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Policy and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Tel Aviv University. Lior Gelfand, Chairman of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, highlighted the significance of this leadership transition during a pivotal
moment for Israeli travel. He noted that Kelner steps in during a sensitive and important era, emphasizing that the focus ahead must be on recovery, rebuilding, and welcoming international visitors back to Israel. Gelfand expressed full confidence in Kelner’s multi-sector managerial skill set while expressing appreciation for Yossi Fatael’s decade- plus legacy and ongoing support during the transition. Expressing his gratitude for the appointment, Guy Kelner emphasized the national significance of the incoming travel sector. He stated that he accepts the role with a profound sense of responsibility at a time when Israeli incoming tourism faces major challenges alongside prime opportunities for revitalization. Kelner reiterated his commitment to collaborating closely with association members, government bodies, and industry partners to bring travelers back and build a stronger, resilient, and thriving tourism sector for the future.
Israel Travel News • 15
Made with FlippingBook - PDF hosting