Envoy hopes for direct Philippine-Israel connectivity

CEBU, Philippines — Direct air connectivity, once established, is seen to further boost tourism trade between Israel and the Philippines, Israeli Ambassador Rafael Harpaz said Tuesday.

In his courtesy visit at the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry office in Mandaue City recently, the envoy expressed his support to growing further the tourism exchange between the two nations. 

Harpaz also expressed hopes that there will soon be direct connectivity from the Philippines to Israel to increase tourist traffic.

The diplomat said tourism is a very “important” aspect in the bilateral relations between the two countries, saying Israel seeks to further strengthen people-to-people and economic ties with Filipinos.

The Philippines has considered Israel as one of the promising tourism markets.

In the same way, Israel’s Ministry of Tourism had also seen more Filipinos traveling to the Holy Land which had risen 42 percent year-on-year in 2017 due to promotion efforts of Israeli city Tel Aviv.

Visa-free entry for up to 90 days and cheaper tour rates also helped encourage Filipino tourists, said Hassan Madah.

Previous reports said that Israel was in talks with Philippine Airlines for possible direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv.

The good thing is Israel offers Filipino tourists visa-free access.

Israel and the Philippines maintain an open door policy, and Filipino tourists enjoy traveling to the Holy Land visa-free.

This is because of the moral courage manifested by the late president Manual L. Quezon, who welcomed over 1,300 Jews exiled during World War II.

The gesture started the close friendship of Jews and Filipinos, commemorated through the Open Doors Monument in Tel Aviv.

Filipino hospitality at a time when the Jewish people needed it most earned the gratitude of Israel, which is now giving back by welcoming Filipino pilgrims, tourists and even skilled workers to Israel.

By simply having a Philippine passport, Filipinos can travel within Israel for up to 90 days visa free. Visitors only need to be interviewed at the port of entry.

Visas are required, however, for people who intend to work or study in Israel. Meanwhile, Israelis can also visit the Philippines visa-free for up to 59 days. Visas are also required when working or studying in the Philippines.

Israel and the Philippines established full diplomatic relationships in 1957 and signed a treaty of friendship in 1958.  The Philippines established an embassy in Tel Aviv and Israel opened an embassy in Manila in 1962.