Let’s travel to "The Holy Land- Israel" which indeed is a traveller's paradise!
Israel has all that you want to make your holidays memorable. This was during my small
interaction with Mr. Hassan Madah, Director - Israel Ministry of Tourism,
India. Let’s discover about Israel-
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| Mr. Hassan Madah |
1) What would you like to highlight
about Israel to a traveller who is not well versed with the region?
Mr. Hassan Madah- “Israel is
a vibrant country with vast diversity and rich culture. It has desert
conditions on the south and snow-capped mountains in the north, making Israel a
complete experience. Israel is also filled with breathtaking beaches and water
sports. The country is also famed for its Dead Sea experience, covering every
aspect of a traveller's need. Either looking for luxury or adventure, Israel
makes it possible. Not only this, they also offer- Niche tourism such as “Wine
Tourism “which is also a popular option when in Israel. “ Let’s explore Israel with a vast variety for a holiday lover. So, if
you are one of those who love to go on treks, somewhere in breathtaking
mountains or go for water sports on their virgin beaches or try the varities of wines. It has the universe
to offer you.
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| Beach to unwind |
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| Water Sports |
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| Exploring the Adventure |
2) What is that one thing that makes
Israel different from the rest of neighbouring countries & why a tourist
should only travel to Israel & to no where else?
“Each of Israel’s regions has something diverse
to offer. Dead Sea’s floating, Eilat’s adventures, Jerusalem’s history, Tel
Aviv’s modernity, Haifa’s nature, Massada’s ruins, Negev’s desert conditions,
etc are some of the unique offerings of the country. Israel also has abundance
of flora and fauna and wildlife for nature lovers. One can ski in the morning
and snorkel in the evening on the same day, or take an ATV or a camel ride and
enjoy dolphin reef within few hours. There is a growing trend of Indians
traveller who wants to experience various things in a single holiday. For
travellers, who are looking for a combination of snow, beach and desert in a one
vacation don’t have to look any further.” This
means adventure animals will have a blast with all, decorated in their single
platter to explore & discover Israel.
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| Dolphin Reef |
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| People having fun with food & wine |
3) Share about the culture &
tradition here? What about the festivals celebrated here?
“Israel has an unmatched culture and history
like no other. It is a birth place of 3 major religions – Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. At Jerusalem’s heart is
the Old City, which is surrounded by a wall and divided into four quarters
- Jewish, Armenian, Christian, and Muslim. Inside the walls are important
holy sites for the Jews such as Western Walls and also Christians, as Jesus
Christ lived and died here. Cities and regions like Nazareth, Acre, Haifa,
Massada etc are also home to some exceptional historic sites.
The country every year hosts some amazing music
events including the Red Sea Jazz Festival which has audience from all over the
world. Israel also has various races and marathons throughout the year. The bi-annual
bird migration where around 500 million birds pass through Israel skies also has
huge number of spectators. Tel Aviv also hosts Fashion Week every year putting
Israeli couture on the map. The Haifa Film Festival, Israel Festival, Jerusalem
Light Festival, International Art and Craft Festival, etc are other prominent
events taking place in Israel.
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| Places to explore |
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| Places to explore |
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| Beautiful Birds |
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| Food & Wine |
4) Any specific tourism promotions
/campaigns to promote this beautiful destination in 2016?
“Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) plans to use
various integrated marketing strategies in 2016. IMOT India will promote
destination Israel on various platforms to enhance the growth of tourist
arrivals from India. We have significantly increased the marketing budget for
India and have invested in trade fairs such as Satte, IITT and OTM. We work
very closely with the travel trade and now we also look at reaching direct
consumers with various promotional activities. IMOT will use different
marketing tools with emphasis on digital to reach the direct consumers. Israel
is known to have something for everyone offering aspirational and
unconventional holiday experience.”
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| Explore the adventure |
5) Point out the things or places, a
traveller must not miss while in your country?
“Israel is full of possibilities for an Indian
Traveller. Every part of Israel is unique which should be fully experienced. Not
many Indians are aware that being a vegetarian or a vegan is actually trendy in
Israel. Savouring some special delights in Israel is not-to-be missed. Israel
also offers some amusing night-life with Jerusalem and Tel Aviv home to some
distinguished night-spots. Also, no one should leave Israel without floating in
the Dead Sea, which is the lowest health spa in the world.” So what are you waiting for? Guys back up
your bags and plan for your most awaited vacations to this unexplored place with all that
you want to unwind & explore!
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| Floating in the Dead Sea |
For more information, you can visit www.goisrael.in / www.facebook.com/israelindiaTourism
/ www.instagram.com/israel_ministry_tourism_india
/ twitter.com/meetinisrael
