ISRAEL TOURISM
November 2025
Topics discussed included strengthening confidence and certainty among global tourism markets, redesigning the image of Israel as a destination, encouraging tourism to the North and the Upper Galilee region, adapting northern destinations to tourists’ needs, and fostering cooperation between government bodies and local authorities. In their opening speeches, Mr. Lior Gelfand , Chairman of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, Mr. Yossi Fatael , CEO of the Association, and Ms. Danit Bitan , General Manager of the Pastoral Hotel, addressed the complexities of the current times, the slow anticipated return of tourism to the country, and the social and image climate hindering the return of tourists to Israel. The agents, who stayed overnight at the Pastoral Hotel, were impressed by the renovations and upgrades carried out at the hotel during the war. They then embarked on a guided border tour, where they viewed Lebanese villages and Metulla, heard the story of the picturesque moshav during the war, visited the “Good Fence” area and the village of Ghajar, and concluded with a traditional lunch in the Druze village of Ein Qiniyye, getting an
up-close look at the unique character of the community. Danit Bitan, General Manager of Pastoral Hotel Kfar Blum, commented: “Holding the conference here at the Pastoral Hotel is not only a professional gathering that contributes to the industry but also an important act of support for the Upper Galilee and Northern tourism. We are proud to host industry professionals and be partners in the effort to bring tourism back to the Galilee.” Yossi Fatael, CEO of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, stated: “Now, following the announcement of the end of the war, and for the first time in two years, positive interest in Israel is beginning to return—in the context of tourism. Incoming tourism has a central role in rebuilding Israel’s image worldwide. The Association’s gathering in Kfar Blum at the Pastoral Hotel, together with tourism providers from across the region, is part of the preparations we are making for the renewal of tourist visits to Israel. The region, the hotel, and the tourism providers we meet are the beautiful face of Israel.
Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association Convene in the Upper Galilee
Pastoral Hotel Hosts Industry Leaders to Strategize on Rebuilding Trust and Promoting
Northern Israel T he Pastoral Hotel in Kfar Blum, located in the Upper Galilee, recently hosted a major conference for incoming tourism agents, held in collaboration with the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association. Dozens of managers from incoming tourism offices, representing a wide range of global destinations, attended the conference.
The event began with a “Tourism Fair” showcasing local tourism providers from the Upper Galilee, including representatives from attractions, local producers, and tour guides.
Following the fair and opening remarks, the
Association’s management led a professional discussion and held roundtables focusing on central industry issues during this challenging period.
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