SEEKING to heighten awareness of Israel’s offerings as a travel destination for Indians, the Middle Eastern nation earlier this month launched an online training programme for travel consultants.
The five-module education programme aims to educate the Indian trade about Israel’s leisure, adventure and MICE features, and runs for one year. Those who complete the course will receive a certified status.
“So far, about 336 Indian travel consultants have participated in the training programme. We have received a good response not only from metro cities of New Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai but also from non-metro cities like Nagpur, Bhopal and Ahmedabad,” said Hassan Madah, director – India, Ministry of Tourism Israel, adding that the Ministry hopes to reach at least 2,000 Indian travel consultants through the programmee.
It is looking to organise three-city roadshows in New Delhi, Kolkata and Ahmedabad later this year, besides planning campaigns with tour operators to promote packages to Israel.
Israel will also host the 600-pax annual convention of the Travel Agents Federation of India from February 22-25.
“Israel is known as a Holy Land. But now through our trade and consumer marketing initiatives we want to showcase our diverse products from the green north of Israel to the desert of the south, wineries and the unique resorts near the Dead Sea and the Red Sea along with Tel Aviv, the capital of culture and night life,” said Madah.
Israel recorded about 36,000 Indian tourist arrivals in 2014 and is expecting 50,000 by end-2015.
