The Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco welcomed Israeli Tourism Minister His Excellency (H.E.) Haim Katz for a bilateral meeting 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.

“Today, we have signed with Israel a joint declaration of intent to cooperate in the field of tourism, recognizing that 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. This collaboration opens new doors to showcase the rich heritage, the natural beauty, and vibrant cultures of our respective countries. It is an opportunity to create meaningful connections between our peoples while driving economic growth through the power of travel,” said Secretary Frasco in her remarks at the signing ceremony.

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.

“We look forward to working with our Israeli counterparts in shaping this partnership as well as in exploring new possibilities and ensuring the success of this intended collaboration for the benefit of both our nations. I thank you for your visit to the Philippines, Minister, and we look forward to welcoming tourists from Israel to the Philippines in time to come,” the DOT chief added.

In his remarks at the signing program, Minister Katz expressed optimism about the strengthened partnership: “Madam Secretary, it’s my honor to come and visit the Philippines, in this important time of what I hope is the end of a difficult time for Israel for a long, long time.”

Minister Katz also conveyed the continued interest in a direct flight between the Philippines and Israel to enhance the good relations between the nations and increase tourism numbers: “Since we are starting a new era of this, we’re looking forward to seeing more also Israeli tourists here to the Philippines, not only Filipino tourists to Israel. And the best way to achieve higher numbers is to achieve higher numbers is through a direct line between Manila and Tel Aviv, at least once a week, that would enhance the good relationship that we have and also tie up the number of tourists.”

Minister Katz emphasized that establishing direct flights between the Philippines and Israel could attract “about 100,000 tourists a year to dive in the Philippines,” highlighting the country’s attractiveness as a travel destination for Israelis.

“I told the Minister (Frasco) that my son was here three months ago. He dived in El Nido for a week. He loved it,” Minister Katz shared during a post-event interview with the press.

In response, Secretary Frasco reaffirmed the DOT’s commitment to relaying Minister Katz’s interest in direct flights to partner airlines. She also showcased the Philippines’ top dive destinations and sustainable tourism initiatives, including the Philippine Dive Experience, to support the increasing global demand for the country’s world-class dive offerings.

The bilateral meeting further explored knowledge exchange and collaboration opportunities in key areas such as gastronomy, pilgrimage tourism, heritage and cultural preservation, and human capital development. Additionally, both parties 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 Minister 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.

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 Mr. Jomar Sadie.