Leaving On A High Note

In this week’s issue of Canadian Travel Press, assistant editor, Greg Coates reports that it was a bittersweet night for officials of the Israel Ministry of Tourism and guests during a recent reception in Toronto as Israel and its friends celebrated record visitor numbers, but at the same time bid a farewell to Haim Gutin, Consul/Commissioner for North and South America, who is leaving his post in New York and heading back to Israel in August.

After four years of heading up the North American operations of the Israel Ministry of Tourism, Gutin was making what was likely his last official visit to Canada. He is returning to head office in Jerusalem to serve as Senior Deputy General of Tourism.

But, Gutin is leaving on a high with Israel posting record numbers of visitors from North America. Worldwide, 2013 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel, with close to four million visitors.

A record-breaking 39% more Canadians arrived in Israel in May 2014 than in May 2013, and overall, Canadian tourism to Israel is up 16% for the five-month period, January-May. Worldwide tourism to Israel was up 17% in May 2014 over May 2013.

“Frankly, an increase of 39% is staggering – it’s the largest ever monthly increase in Canadian tourism to Israel that I can recall,” said Gutin. “What it means is that Israel is experiencing a phenomenal increase in general market tourism from Canada. An increase of these proportions is proof positive that the Ministry of Tourism’s Canadian promotional efforts in terms of public relations, marketing, social media and advertising are succeeding.”

In an interview with Canadian Travel Press, Gutin said he is proud of what he and his team have accomplished.

For the full story, check out this week’s digital edition of CTP by clicking here.