By: Romeo Braceros Jr.

Israel has expressed interest in participating in projects run by the Department of Tourism in the Philippines and other countries.

Ambassador Ilan Fluss paid a courtesy visit to Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco and spoke with her about the idea of starting flights between Israel and the Philippines.

Tourism exchanges between the two nations are anticipated to benefit from this.

The Israeli ambassador also stated his eagerness to tour the Philippines, particularly in diving, mountaineering, and trekking.

It was stated that Fluss, in particular, is enthusiastic about the nature- and adventure-based tourist services being provided in the nation, as well as dive sites like those in Cebu and hiking and trekking locations like Mt. Ulap and Mt. Apo.

In exchange, the director of tourism for Cebu also outlined the DOT's primary goals and plans for realizing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s vision for the Philippine travel and tourism sector.

Tourism chief "also conveyed the DOT's determination to accomplish its specified objectives, particularly in the issue of lowering travel restrictions and entrance regulations to attract and drive in more visitors."

Frasco also made clear the DOT's product and market development initiatives, including the introduction of travel packages for Israelis.

With film tourism being one of the DOT's key items in its effort to diversify the nation's tourism portfolio, Secretary Frasco is also optimistic that follow-up projects to the reality TV show Survivor Israel, which filmed multiple seasons on the Caramoan beaches, would soon materialize.

Apart from Israel, Frasco previously received a courtesy call from Ambassador Tull Traisorat of Thailand's embassy in the Philippines.