Tourism has been part of Israel’s way of life for more than 4,000 years, Stas Misezhnikov, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, told a group of key travel trade partners in Toronto on Feb. 21, and the industry — despite some difficult times in the world today — is continuing to flourish, playing a key role in keeping the country’s economy strong. Misenzhnikov is in Canada this week to meet with travel industry types as well as to talk to members of the business community interested in investing in Israel. Seen here, from l to r, are Oded Grofman, director Canada of the Israel Government Tourist Office (IGTO) and Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov.