February 12, 2025 | By Anita Jain Shah

In a landmark move to boost tourism and business ties, India and Israel are set to see increased connectivity with new direct flight routes and collaborative efforts in the travel sector. Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, marked this significant step by inaugurating the OTM International Tourism Fair in Mumbai, underscoring the importance of India as a key market for Israeli tourism.

More Direct Flights to Strengthen Connectivity
One of the major announcements came from Air India, which revealed plans to launch a direct flight between Mumbai and Tel Aviv by early March 2025. Additionally, Air India will resume its New Delhi to Tel Aviv service in March this year, further enhancing accessibility for Indian travellers to Israel. The airline’s CEO, Campbell Wilson, met with Minister Katz to finalise operational details for these routes, ensuring seamless travel for tourists and business professionals.

Minister Katz emphasised the vast potential of the Indian market, stating, “There is enormous tourism potential in India that we are working to realise. We have set a strategic goal to reach seven million tourists by 2030, and India is a key market in achieving this.”

Strengthening Bilateral Tourism Relations
During his visit, Minister Katz held high-level discussions with Indian Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, highlighting the strong historical and cultural ties between the two nations. The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) delegation, including Ambassador Peleg Lewi and International Marketing Director Hassan Madah, participated in strategic meetings with Indian travel trade stakeholders to promote Israel as a preferred destination.

A key highlight of the visit was Israel’s active participation at OTM 2025, held at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. The Israel pavilion, which won the ‘Best Booth Decoration Award,’ featured an immersive showcase of the country’s diverse tourism offerings. Katz reiterated Israel’s commitment to the Indian market, stating, “With the launch of the e-Visa system and our continued presence at key exhibitions, we are confident of achieving new milestones in 2025.”

E-Visa and Tourism Promotion Strategies
To facilitate hassle-free travel, Israel recently launched an e-Visa service for Indian tourists (January 1, 2025), integrating it with the country’s Entry Travel Authorization (ETA) system. This digital solution simplifies the visa application process, making it easier for families and individual travellers to visit Israel. This service facilitates the issuance of B2 visa for individuals and families seeking to stay in Isreal for a short period, for purposes such as tourism, visiting friends & family, medical tourism, business and short-term studies (non-academic).

The group visa applications will continue through the existing channels. Applications for individuals and families can be applied at www.gov.il/en/departments/topics/eta-il/govil-landing-page.

IMOT has also outlined an ambitious roadmap for 2025, including trade and media outreach, experiential events, and promotional campaigns focusing on Israel as a year-round travel destination.

Cultural and Historical Significance
Beyond tourism, Minister Katz’s visit also highlighted Israel’s deep-rooted historical connections with India. He unveiled a plaque commemorating the history of the Magen Hassidim Synagogue in Mumbai and invited Indian tourists to explore iconic Israeli destinations such as the Dead Sea, Haifa, and Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, Consul General of Israel to Midwest India, Kobbi Shoshani, reinforced the significance of the new direct flight, calling it a pivotal move to enhance tourism and business exchanges. “A direct flight between Mumbai and Tel Aviv will start in early March. This is extremely important for business and tourism,” he noted.

Shoshani also spoke about the strong historical bond between Jews and Indians, recalling that the Jewish community has lived in India for over 2,000 years without fear of discrimination. In a solemn moment during his visit, he attended a Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at a Mumbai synagogue, paying tribute to the six million Jews who perished during World War II.

Looking Ahead
Despite geopolitical challenges, India remains a key source market for Israeli tourism, with 9,600 Indian visitors recorded in 2024. With Air India’s renewed direct flight services and Israel’s intensified tourism campaigns, the number of Indian travellers to Israel is expected to rise significantly.

As Israel positions itself as a welcoming and diverse destination, Indian tourists can look forward to experiencing its rich cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and unique travel experiences in the years ahead.