With the resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv and renewed enthusiasm for cross-border travel, Israel is opening its doors wider than ever for Indian travellers. From its deeply spiritual heritage to its modern cities, rich cuisines, and striking landscapes, Israel offers a remarkable diversity within a small geography—something few destinations can match.
In this exclusive interaction, Ms. Galit Hoffman, who recently took charge as Consul of Tourism Affairs for India, Israel Ministry of Tourism, speaks to Voyager’s World about her enduring connection with India, the strong people-to-people bonds between the two nations, and why Israel is ready to welcome Indian visitors with open arms.
With Air India restarting direct flights from Delhi to Tel Aviv, how does this help strengthen connectivity between the two countries?
It’s a huge milestone for us. Air India’s resumption of direct flights between Delhi and Tel Aviv has made travel between the two countries much more convenient. Earlier, travellers had to route through Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Addis Ababa. Now, it’s a simple five-and-a-half-hour flight, down from nearly seven hours. This direct connectivity doesn’t just make logistics easier—it symbolises the strong and growing friendship between our nations. It also opens the door to greater collaboration in business, MICE, and leisure tourism.
We’re optimistic about the future. There are ongoing discussions to add new routes from Mumbai, Goa, Kochi, or Bengaluru, which would further strengthen connectivity and enable more Indians to discover Israel.
What makes Israel such an attractive destination for Indian travellers today?
Israel is a small country, but it offers incredible diversity. It’s a blend of the ancient and the modern, where spiritual heritage meets a cosmopolitan lifestyle. For many Indian travellers, Israel is the Holy Land—a sacred place for Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. The spiritual depth of Jerusalem attracts thousands of Indian pilgrims every year. But beyond that, Israel also offers vibrant cities, modern art, adventures, beaches, and world-class gastronomy.
Culturally, we are a nation of immigrants, and our food reflects that beautifully. Every meal tells a story, from Moroccan and Yemeni dishes to European and Mediterranean influences. It’s a paradise for food lovers, especially since many restaurants use fresh, local produce. In terms of experiences, you can float in the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth, or dive with dolphins in Eliat. In just eight hours, you can travel from sunny beaches in the south to snow-covered mountains in the north. Few destinations in the world offer that range of experiences in such a short distance.
And then, there’s the people-to-people connection—Indians and Israelis share a warmth, hospitality, and a similar approach to life. Israelis love India; they often say they feel at home here. The feeling is mutual when Indians visit Israel.
Tel Aviv
Given the current situation in the region, what would you say to Indians who may have safety concerns about travelling to Israel?
That’s a very valid question. The events of October 7, 2023, were tragic, but since then, Israel has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and stability of all visitors. Today, Israel is completely safe for travellers. Both Sweden and Germany, known for their strict travel advisories, have officially lifted restrictions for travel to Israel. That’s a strong vote of confidence. India, in fact, never imposed a ban—only a temporary advisory near border areas. Tourism has picked up strongly since then. Between January and October 2025, over 10,700 Indian tourists visited Israel, compared to 9,600 in all of 2024. Indians continue to be the largest group of Asian visitors to Israel.
So yes, travellers can come with full confidence. Israel is safe, open and eager to welcome Indian visitors.
What kind of traveller profiles do you usually see from India?
Earlier, around 80-90% of Indian visitors came for pilgrimage. Now, that number has become more balanced. We’re seeing a significant rise in leisure, family, and MICE travellers. The new generation of Indian travellers is well-informed and curious; they seek authentic experiences. Many are interested in culture, gastronomy, wellness, and outdoor adventure. They’re looking beyond traditional religious tours.
Israel fits this perfectly—it’s a destination where you can pray at the Western Wall in the morning, taste world-class wine in the afternoon, and dance on the beach at night.
How is Israel promoting MICE tourism, and what are some major upcoming events?
Israel is an innovation hub, and that gives us a unique edge in the MICE segment. Our country is known globally for breakthroughs in agriculture, water technology, cybersecurity, and defence innovation. This attracts professional delegations and business groups from around the world—including large Indian companies. We regularly host international trade events like AgriTech, Watec, and CyberTech, where Indian participation is consistently strong. These events showcase the best of Israeli innovation and create opportunities for collaborations between our industries.
At the same time, Israel offers fantastic leisure experiences for incentive groups—imagine combining business sessions in Tel Aviv with team activities around the Dead Sea or Jerusalem. That balance of professional and leisure appeal makes Israel a powerful MICE destination.
Jerusalem
Israel is known for celebrating inclusivity and diversity. Could you tell us more about that?
Absolutely. Israel is one of the most open and inclusive societies in the world. Every June, the Tel Aviv Pride Parade attracts visitors from across the globe for three days of colourful, joyful celebrations. Interestingly, Tel Aviv is also the vegan capital of the world, with over 400 vegan restaurants. This is something Indian travellers love because it aligns perfectly with their dietary preferences. In fact, Israel is one of the easiest destinations for Indian vegetarians and vegans to feel at home—plus, we even have authentic Indian restaurants in several cities.
How does the Ministry plan to further promote Israel among Indian travellers in 2025 and beyond?
Our focus is to highlight the diversity of experiences Israel offers—beyond just pilgrimage. We’re showcasing the country as a multi-dimensional destination that’s ideal for family vacations, adventure, wellness, culture, and luxury travel. We’re working closely with Indian travel agents and tour operators to develop creative itineraries and packages that combine spiritual, leisure, and experiential elements. We’re also planning a series of roadshows, trade workshops, and joint campaigns with Indian partners to raise awareness about what’s new in Israel.
Of course, enhancing air connectivity remains a top priority. We’re in discussions to introduce more direct flights and explore charters for special segments like MICE and weddings.
What message would you like to share with Indian travellers considering a trip to Israel?
Israel is not just a destination; it’s an experience. It’s a place where ancient history meets modern innovation, where every traveller feels a sense of connection. When you visit Israel, you don’t just see the Holy Land; you live it. You experience spirituality, culture, creativity, and warmth, all in one journey. Most importantly, you’ll find that the people of Israel genuinely love India. Whether you’re walking through the markets of Tel Aviv or visiting the old city of Jerusalem, you’ll meet Israelis who have been to India, love Indian food, or have Indian friends.
We look forward to welcoming more Indian travellers in the coming months. With direct flights, cultural affinity, and deep friendship between our nations, the future of India-Israel tourism looks brighter than ever.