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Goa to Tel Aviv Flights: How Direct Routes Could Be a Tourism Game-Changer

The Israeli Consul for Tourism in India is pushing hard for direct flights between Goa and Tel Aviv. She believes this single move could dramatically increase travel in both directions. The current journey is indirect, but a direct flight would take just about five and a half hours. This would open up travel for families and businesspeople, changing the tourism map completely.

Key Points: Direct Goa-Tel Aviv Flights a Game-Changer Says Israeli Tourism Consul

  • Direct flights could multiply current annual Israeli tourist arrivals from 20,000-30,000
  • The 5.5-hour route would attract families and business travelers from both nations
  • Goa is already a key destination for most Israelis visiting India
  • Israeli airlines have expressed specific interest in starting direct flights to Goa
3 min read

Direct flights from Goa to Tel Aviv will be game-changer: Israeli Consul of Tourism Affairs for India

Israeli Tourism Consul Galit Hoffman says direct Goa-Tel Aviv flights could multiply Israeli tourists and boost business travel, calling it a potential game-changer.

"If we launch direct flights from Goa to Tel Aviv, this will be a game-changer for both sides. - Galit Hoffman, Israeli Consul of Tourism Affairs for India"

Panaji, December 4

Israeli Consul of Tourism Affairs for India, Galit Hoffman, on Wednesday stated that the launch of direct flights between Goa and Tel Aviv would be a "game-changer" for bilateral tourism, as well as business exchanges between the two nations, potentially multiplying the current annual inflow of 20, 000-30, 000 Israeli visitors and opening the door for Goan families, business travellers and new segments.

Speaking about Israel's growing interest in the Indian tourism market, Hoffman said that a direct route could dramatically increase travel volumes.

"If we launch direct flights from Goa to Tel Aviv, this will be a game-changer for both sides. If today there are maybe 20000 Israelis a year or 30000 Israelis a year, if there is a direct flight, you will get the families, you will get the business people coming, and you will get more and more sectors which can be very relevant," she said.

Highlighting Goa's strong appeal, Hoffman described Goa as a "very important destination" for Israel, noting that a majority of Israeli tourists visiting India already include the coastal state in their itinerary.

"We see Goa as a very important destination in India for us because the potential for mutual tourism from both sides is huge. Many Israelis who travel to India already come to Goa. And it's a big number. Israelis travel to India, and most of them will come to Goa," Hoffman said.

"Goa has a great reputation among the Israelis. And we also see the potential for outbound from Goa to Israel. This is why we came here: to promote and push for that," she added.

Hoffman also revealed that she held productive talks with the Goa Tourism Minister, with direct connectivity topping the agenda.

"We had a very good meeting with the (Goa) tourism minister, and the main issue that we discussed was the direct flights from Goa to Tel Aviv. Because if we have this, it will be a game-changer... And it's definitely there on the bucket list," she said.

A direct flight between the two destinations would take roughly five and a half hours, which she said "will definitely change the tourism map as of now."

Hoffman also stated that Israeli airlines have expressed interest in exploring direct routes to India, particularly Goa, adding that Israel's streamlined visa process introduced last year has already boosted Indian outbound tourism to the country.

"We definitely know that Israeli companies mentioned their interest in starting direct flights to India, to Goa specifically. We definitely want to push this activity ahead... We have established a visa process for the last year, and it works very well. And it really is the entire process. We hope that this will also support the tourists from India to Israel," she concluded.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
As a business traveler, this would be a huge relief. Connecting flights via Dubai or Europe are a hassle. A direct 5.5-hour flight from Goa would save so much time and energy. Let's make it happen!
A
Arjun K
Good initiative, but I hope the focus is also on sustainable tourism. Goa's infrastructure is already strained in peak season. We need proper planning to handle the increased inflow without harming our beautiful beaches and environment.
S
Sarah B
This is exciting! I've always wanted to visit Israel for its historical sites. A direct flight from Goa makes it so much more accessible for Indian families. The streamlined visa process is a big plus too.
M
Manish T
Israeli tourists are known for being long-stay visitors, which is great for the local economy. But I hope the fares are competitive. If it's too expensive, only a small segment will benefit. Need affordable options for the common Goan family to travel as well.
K
Kavya N
Win-win situation! Israelis love Goa, and now Goans can easily explore Israel. Great for cultural exchange. Maybe we'll see more Israeli cuisine restaurants popping up in Panaji! 😊

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