Israeli exec wants boost in Philippines-Israel tourism

MANILA, Philippines — A top Israeli diplomat is upbeat on areas for expansion in tourism between Israel and the Philippines, as he vows to return home to spread a good word about Manila.

Mark Sofer, Israel's chief diplomat for Asia-Pacific, said tourism is among the key topics brought up in his meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario last week to "upgrade" bilateral ties between the Philippines and Israel.

"Tourism in every way is one of the best industries there is ... It brings people back as the ambassador of the other country," Sofer told a small group of journalists during his one-day visit in Manila last week.

"I can guarantee to you, I will come back from the Philippines ... an ambassador of the Philippines in Israel," he said, adding it is his first time in the country.

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Sofer is confident that Israelis will want to visit the Philippines, while Filipinos will also easily consider to go on a pilgrimage to various parts of Israel.

"We're talking here of a Catholic country, of course," Sofer said. "If [Filipinos] want to see where Jesus walked on the water, in Capernaum … where he bathed, [where he multiplied] the fish and the loaves, where he was born, where he died, it's all there."

He said the pilgrimage aspect in Filipinos' travel agenda is always present that they only need easier access to Israel.

"One thing we're looking into are direct flights. There are no direct flights between the Philippines and Israel," Sofer said.

No matter how the two governments would want direct flights to be offered, carriers first have to detect a potential market.

"They need—like everything commercial—a critical mass," he explained.