The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) says the Canadian market is recovering quickly, with 60,000 Canadians arriving in 2022, representing 60% of 2019 numbers. The IMOT says that percentage topped 80% in November, and demand is high for 2023 and 2024.

IMOT in Canada celebrated the end of 2022 with a series of events, including a final gathering for the IMOT advisory board and other key stakeholders.

“The travel industry challenges are diverse, and as such, we need a broader perspective as we enter 2023,” said Gal Hana, Israel Consul for Tourism to Canada. “Our advisory board members are from the entire ecosystem and provide vast array of experience in marketing, product, media and more. We applaud their respective insights, advice, and sense of proactive support throughout this past year.”

Among other success stories for IMOT in Canada in 2022 were multiple FAM and media trips to Israel. Highlights included the activation of a marketing and P.R. campaign with TravelBrands, making Israel visible Canada wide. IMOT says it has made other marketing agreements with key stakeholders including Indus Travel and Dan Tours.

“We were very busy this year and executed much of our work plan and strategy, despite the rough first quarter of 2022” Hana added, saying the overall result is an increased travel-trade awareness and expanded distribution channels with more agents selling Israel than ever before.

Since Israel opened its borders in 2022 welcoming international travellers again, the recovery has been swift, and for many who have waited patiently to visit the country.

As Israel will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2023, IMOT says demand to visit the country is higher than usual with the added events that will take place across the country throughout the year.

Promotional campaigns are in the works with travel trade media, Bold Magazine, and the Toronto Star for Q1 of 2023, to seize momentum, and fulfill the huge potential of the Canadian market to Israel.

2023 looks to be a key year in the recovery for Israel and the Ministry of Tourism has plans for FAM trips, campaigns, and marketing partnerships with numerous stakeholders across the market. TravelPulse Canada will be travelling to Israel in January to check out the latest developments in the destination.