Israel eyes Dubai, London and New York since it reopens to vaccinated visitors
29 April, 2021
Israel unveiled plans to reopen the united states to tourists for the very first time since the start of the pandemic last year, although only those vaccinated against the coronavirus will be welcome come early july.
The first 40 tour groups are anticipated to touch down in Israel on May 23, while individual visitors will need to wait until July at the initial before they can travel.
“It’s a hopeful day, in my own view,” Israel’s tourism minister, Orit Farkash-Hacohen, said in Tel Aviv on Tuesday.
“I think it is time that the huge advantage that Israel has as a wholesome and vaccinated destination [is harnessed]."
Israel has vaccinated practically 55 % of its population and coronavirus infection rates have plummeted, allowing the country to open hotels, restaurants and places of interest, with some restrictions.
Those scheduled to arrive in late May will join approved bus tours.
“These groups are simple to monitor because they have a schedule that's organised and we realize where they are at whenever and place,” the tourism minister said.
Visitors should be fully vaccinated with doses approved by US and European regulators, furthermore to undergoing coronavirus tests before boarding their flight and on arrival.
Ms Farkash-Hacohen didn't reveal where the first set of visitors will arrive from, although Israel plans to launch promotional initiatives in Dubai, London and New York.
“We see great potential in the Emirates, also because of the strength of the Emirati tourists, but also because the Emirates is a centre for many international tourists,” the minister said.
More than 38 per cent of UAE residents are fully vaccinated against coronavirus, in line with the THE WORLD in Data platform from the University of Oxford.
Under the current proposals, additional tour groups will be permitted to visit in June and individual tourists can arrive from July.
The tourism scheme risks being scuppered by objections from medical ministry, however, which on Tuesday needed the program to be delayed by per month.
Israel has severely restricted entry to the country since last March and health officials are worried a change in the rules could bring about the spread of new coronavirus variants.
Ms Farkash-Hacohen said her ministry’s plan did not involve the Palestinian Authority, which governs cities in the occupied West Bank, such as tourist hot spot Bethlehem.
About 7 % of Palestinians in the West Bank have obtained a vaccine, based on the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Israel has given doses to Palestinians with Israeli work permits, though it faced criticism from rights groups for failing woefully to further expand its vaccination drive in the West Bank and Gaza.
Source: www.thenationalnews.com