The Philippines and Israel have strengthened their tourism ties with the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, following a bilateral meeting between Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and Israeli Tourism Minister H.E. Haim Katz at the DOT Office in Makati City.
The meeting coincided with Minister Katz’s State Visit to the Philippines, and was highlighted by the signing of a Joint Declaration of Intent on Cooperation in the Field of Tourism, underscoring the shared commitment of the Philippines and Israel to strengthen tourism ties and foster people-to-people connections.
“This collaboration opens new doors for the Philippines to showcase our rich heritage, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, as well as to create meaningful connections between our peoples while driving economic growth through the power of travel,” Frasco stressed.
The Joint Declaration reaffirms the nations’ mutual optimism for deeper cooperation in the tourism sector, following the Agreement on Tourism signed on May 9, 1988 between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the State of Israel. While the 1988 agreement was not ratified by both parties, this latest initiative demonstrates renewed priorities and opportunities for collaboration in tourism.
Minister Katz conveyed the continued interest for a direct flight between the Philippines and Israel to boost tourism.
In response, Secretary Frasco highlighted the DOT’s support in conveying this interest to relevant airline partners, recognizing Israel as a key opportunity market for tourism growth.
“Tourism is a force for good in this world that allows us to continue relationships that have been there for generations.”
“Tourism is a force for good in this world that allows us to continue relationships that have been there for generations, and can only serve to be strengthened through an exchange of culture, peaceful dialogue, as well as opportunities for expansion in terms of providing livelihood to those that depend on the tourism industry,” the tourism chief said.
The bilateral meeting also explored knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities in key areas such as gastronomy, pilgrimage tourism, heritage and cultural preservation, and human capital development.
Additionally, both ministers expressed alignment in supporting organizations such as the United Nations (UN) Tourism, highlighting the critical role of cross-border and regional cooperation in fostering mutual growth in tourism.
Accompanying Katz were Israel Ministry of Tourism Foreign Affairs Adviser H.E. Peleg Lewi, Israeli Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines H.E. Ilan Fluss, and officials from the Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, Deputy Chief of Mission Ester Buzgan, Marketing Manager Anna Oraiza Aban, and Press Officer Danica Mae Marollano.
“We look forward to welcoming tourists from Israel to the Philippines in time to come.”
“We thank Minister Katz, Israel Ambassador to the Philippines Ilan Fluss, and their delegation, as we look forward to welcoming tourists from Israel to the Philippines in time to come,” Frasco said.
Also present were DOT Undersecretary and Chief-of-Staff Shahlimar Hofer Tamano, Undersecretary Verna Buensuceso, and officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs Office of Middle East and Africa Affairs (DFA-OMEAA), Deputy Assistant Secretary Marlowe Miranda and Assistant Director Jomar Sadie.
