An Israel Hayom conference held recently brought together senior figures from the Israeli tourism industry to discuss the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had, as well as to find a way forward toward recovery.
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"The coronavirus crisis is one of the most serious crises the aviation industry has ever seen, even more than world wars," Deputy Director General of El Al Airlines Shlomi Am-Shalom, who participated in a special panel dedicated to the airline industry, said.
"There's a long way ahead of us before we return to operating in full capacity. We sent most of our employees on unpaid leave, but we are beginning to see a recovery of sorts," he added.
The aviation panel was also attended by Deputy Director General of Israir Gil Stav and general manager of sales at Lufthansa Israel, Ofer Kisch.
Just like any other airline, Stav explained, Lufthansa has faced many challenges as a result of the pandemic.
"We made sure to keep our employees ready, to be prepared for the day after [the coronavirus pandemic is over] and to minimize damage. While the entire industry sent its employees on unpaid leave, we were able to keep a significant portion of our workers employed."
Stav explained that one of the most significant things that helped the German airline through the crisis was a loan it received from the government.
"One of the conditions for receiving a loan from the German government was that Lufthansa would work 'greener,' and we are definitely on that path."
Another panel at the conference was dedicated to the peace agreements the Jewish state announced in 2020 with the United Arab Emirates and three additional Arab states, giving a boost to the tourism industry.
"The prices, culture, tradition, history and proximity have made Dubai a trendy destination," said Ziv Rozen, the CEO of Gulliver tourism company.
Similarly, Iya Magen, CEO of Talma Travel Solutions, said: "It is no wonder that Israelis enjoy traveling to Dubai – the culture is very similar, the locals are welcoming. I believe Israelis will continue to visit the city."
Several experts also attended a panel dedicated to domestic tourism.
"I don't think any other sector suffered such a severe blow. Everyone expected five million tourists – transportation companies, restaurants. All the industries that are connected and dependent on tourism have been hit incredibly hard by the coronavirus pandemic," Tourism Ministry Director General Amir Halevi said.
Nevertheless, domestic tourism helped offset the dramatic decline in international tourism.
"Israelis are traveling in Israel, staying at hotels, enjoying everything the country has to offer. [Some] 40% of hotels operate now, but even those that are open, do so on a much smaller scale. We are also branding Israel as a culinary destination, and together with our wineries, the pride parades, the Negev and the Galilee and more – Israel is a fantastic tourism destination," Halevi said.
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