Israel?s minister of finance, Israel Katz and minister of tourism Asaf Zamir, have announced a financial aid worth ?68.6 million to boost the country?s tourism and hospitality sector.
The package has been implemented after a meeting between the ministers and representatives of Israel?s tourism industry, where they discussed the impact of recent border closures on the hospitality sector, and the furloughing of hotel employees.
Israel?s borders are still closed to foreign arrivals ? a measure that has been in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus since March. As tourists make up 50% of all hotel guests in Israel, and foreign arrivals are still unlikely to begin anytime soon, the finance and tourism minister allocated a budget to assist hotels and decrease their dependency on overseas tourism.
Sharon E. Bershadsky, director, Israel Government Tourist Office in London said: ?We are pleased to hear that the tourism industry is receiving financial support from the government, as it recovers from the global pandemic. In the UK, we?re working with the local government and local tourism bodies, so that we can safely welcome back British visitors to Israel, as soon as possible. We are looking forward to their return, especially with hotels and the domestic market opening up again.?
Tourism Minister Asaf Zamir: ?The entire tourism industry is in a severe crisis due to the coronavirus pandemic, and it is our job to act swiftly in order to bring it back on track, and assist in its recovery. I am grateful for Finance Minister Israel Katz for his devotion to this issue.?
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