In a significant development to bolster tourism ties, Israel and the Philippines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during Minister of Tourism Haim Katz's visit to Manila. This landmark agreement, signed with Christina Garcia Frasco, the Philippines’ Secretary of Tourism, focuses on marketing, aviation, innovation, and digitization, along with cooperation in international organizations.

A Step Towards Enhanced Tourism Ties

Minister Katz, during his working visit, delivered a keynote speech at the Philippine Travel Agencies Association's annual conference and engaged with journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders from the tourism sector.

A notable highlight of the visit was the discussion on resuming direct flights between Manila and Tel Aviv. In a meeting with the President and CEO of Philippine Airlines (PAL), plans were outlined to launch this route in the second half of 2025, facilitating smoother travel for Filipino tourists to Israel.

This initiative aligns with the increasing number of Filipino visitors to Israel, which ranked fifth among incoming tourists in 2024, with 40,000 visitors - primarily for religious purposes. Minister Katz emphasized that the planned direct route would strengthen economic and tourism ties, making Israel's holy sites more accessible to Christian tourists, particularly during the Christian Jubilee Year in 2025. 

A Shared Vision for Tourism Growth

Minister Katz shared, "The Philippines is a key country in Asia, and its citizens view Israel as a must-visit destination. We are committed to strengthening tourism ties and enhancing cooperation between our nations."

Philippines Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco added, "Israel and the Philippines share a tradition of warm relations and a shared faith. Through this agreement, we aim to foster sustainable and accessible tourism while deepening our cultural bonds."

Boosting Religious Tourism

The Christian Jubilee Year in 2025 presents a unique opportunity for religious tourism, offering pilgrims the chance to receive the "Certificate of Forgiveness" declared by the Pope. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism is gearing up for this occasion with focused marketing initiatives, including roadshows, seminars, and collaborations with influencers in the Philippines.

Anchored in History

Tourism relations between Israel and the Philippines have been anchored in a 1987 agreement. The new MoU sets the stage for broader collaboration in the future, ensuring mutual growth in tourism and strengthening the warm ties between the two nations.