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Israel Strengthens Trade Partnerships and Promotes Leisure & MICE as Key Growth Drivers
Amid renewed optimism following the recent ceasefire, theIsrael Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) showcased its resilience and forward-looking vision at ITB Asia 2025, held from 15 to 17 October at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore. The delegation reinforced Israel’s intent to deepen its ties with key Asian markets, spotlighting the country’s diverse tourism offerings that combine heritage, gastronomy, wellness, and modern leisure experiences.
His Excellency Eliyahu Vered Hazan, Israel’s Ambassador to Singapore, inaugurated the Israel Pavilion, which drew consistent interest from travel trade professionals, MICE operators, and potential partners. Co-exhibiting alongside IMOT, Israeli DMCs received an encouraging response from the industry, reflecting a renewed appetite for Israel as a preferred travel destination.
The official delegation comprised Hassan Madah, International Marketing Director, IMOT; Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT – India; Olya Gurevich Lucas, Consul of Tourism Affairs in China; Anna Oraiza Aban, Marketing Manager, IMOT – Philippines; and Li Zimu, Marketing Manager, IMOT – China. Together, they held strategic discussions with tour operators, airlines, and business event planners to advance joint marketing initiatives across India and Asia.
Over the course of three days, the IMOT team engaged in more than 100 meetings, creating a robust pipeline of potential partnerships for 2026. Key focus areas included co-marketing alliances, enhanced air connectivity, and customised itineraries catering to evolving traveller preferences.
Tourism numbers have shown a steady upward trend. Israel welcomed 118,200 visitors in August 2025, marking a 39% increase over July. Between January and August 2025, 814,000 tourists entered the country, a 21% rise compared to 672,400 during the same period in 2024. Among these, India led the Asian market with 7,800 visitors, followed by Indonesia, China, and the Philippines. India remains one of Israel’s key source markets and was also the first country to benefit from Israel’s new eVisa system.
“India continues to be a key growth market for Israel. With the introduction of the eVisa and rising traveller interest, we see strong opportunities to convert awareness into bookings through targeted campaigns and strategic partnerships. Trade and MICE partners are eager to co-create offerings that combine heritage, wellness, and contemporary experiences for Indian travellers,” said Amruta Bangera, Director of Marketing, IMOT – India.
Insights from ITB Asia 2025 will inform IMOT’s strategic roadmap for 2026, with a focus on joint marketing initiatives, airline collaborations, and trade education programmes. The approach aims to strengthen Israel’s brand presence, deepen engagement with India’s outbound travel trade, and promote sustainable visitor growth across leisure and MICE segments.
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