Kasaragod, Nov 16: Israel has stepped up efforts to woo more Indians, especially Keralites the “Holy Land”, leisure and agro-tourism spots. Meanwhile Israeli airliner Arkia is drawing up plans to introduce two direct flights per week to Kerala.
Keralites constitute 20% of the total number of Indians visiting Israel. A total of 39,500 Indians visited Israel in 2015 and this would increase to 80,000 by this year end.
“We can even open a visa centre in Kerala if more Keralites visit Israel so that people need not depend on the Bengaluru centre,” said Hassan Madah, Director, Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT - India and Philippines), told media here on Thursday.
Agro-tourism is one of Israel’s niche sectors, wherein the emphasis is on increasing yield from limited land. Israel’s dairy sector, biopesticides, etc., have much to offer to Indian farmers. States like Maharashtra have been giving subsidies to their farmers to visit Israel and garner expertise in modern farming methods. Israel has been hosting Agrirtech 2018 expo every three years, which brings people from around the world, he said.
The introduction of Arkia flights will in turn also bring more Israel tourists to Kerala. Israelis love the State’s greenery, the backwaters, beaches, hill stations and Ayurveda. At present, there are direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai to Israel. Over the years, visa procedures have been simplified and fees reduced, Mr Madah said.
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