Industry gathers to bid farewell to IMOT’s Gal Hana, hear Israel hotel updates

Leaders from the travel industry gathered on Tuesday (June 18) at Toronto’s Boulevard Club to bid farewell to Gal Hana, who is leaving his role as Consul – Director for the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Office (IMOT) in Canada.

Hana took the reins at IMOT Canada in August 2019, and over the years, he has been instrumental in green lighting tourism projects that have amplified Israel’s presence in Canada.

"These five years have been incredibly rewarding. Building strong partnerships in Canada has been a cornerstone of our strategy, and I'm excited about the opportunities ahead. The relationships we've built will continue to flourish, driving growth in tourism between our nations,” said Hana at Tuesday’s event.

Hana’s work was interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic starting in early 2020. And while travel came to a near-halt during that time, he and his team remained in engaged with the trade, ensuring Israel, as a multifaceted destination, was kept top of mind.

Coming out of the pandemic, Israel’s tourism sector, which once accounted for three percent of the country’s economy, was looking up – even if visitor numbers were lagging behind pre-COVID highs.

READ MORE: Is Israel seeing a tourism reboot, despite the war? We asked the IMOT’s Gal Hana

Israel welcomed 3.01 million tourism arrivals in 2023, marking an increase of 12.5 per cent over 2022, when 2.67 million visitors were recorded.

The IMOT was projecting at least 5.5 million visitors last year – a million more than 2019’s record high of 4.55 million.

But October 7, 2023, changed all that when Hamas’ onslaught on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, most of them civilians, sparking a devastating conflict between Israel and Gaza that is still active today.

While blips of tourism have since returned to Israel, including air lift, the darkness of war continues to plague the region, impacting the destination's ability to attract mass numbers like it once did.

Update from Israel  

Nonetheless, Tuesday’s event shared current developments and future prospects in the Israel, preparing the industry for the destination’s return.

On hand was Jerry Adler, the IMOT’s communication and media director in Canada, as well as representatives from prominent hotel chains.

Adler set the tone, sharing compelling narratives about Israel’s rich cultural heritage and diverse travel experiences. "Israel is not just a destination – it's an experience of a lifetime," Adler said.

He painted vivid pictures of the country's unique blend of historical sites and modern attractions, ensuring the audience could envision the vibrant experiences awaiting tourists.

Representatives from the Dan, Kempinski and Inbal hotel chains also took the stage.

In Tel Aviv, the David Kempinski hotel stands as a “beacon of luxury, combining breathtaking Mediterranean views with unparalleled sophistication,” offering guests a vibrant cultural and dynamic lifestyle experience, the IMOT says.

Dan Hotels, located across Israel, symbolizes luxury and impeccable hospitality with 18 hotels and 3,669 rooms, blending modern elegance with rich heritage for an unforgettable stay.

Lastly, Inbal Hotels in Jerusalem redefines luxury with its mix of modern comfort and historic charm, offering stunning views of the Old City and an authentic Jerusalem experience with state-of-the-art amenities.

The evening was a “resounding success,” the IMOT said, noting that it left attendees “with a renewed excitement for Israel’s tourism potential and a deeper understanding of the experiences that await in this remarkable destination.”

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