Israel and South Korea are close to signing a mutual tourism cooperation agreement, says Israel's Tourism Minister Benny Elon. In a recent meeting with his South Korean counterpart, Ch'ang-tong Yi, Elon discussed the renewal of flights from Tel Aviv to Seoul, which were discontinued eight years ago; invited him on an official visit to Israel; and discussed other opportunities for cooperation between the two countries, especially in the realm of cultural exchange. Minister Elon also met with the heads of several Christian churches in Korea, and said that he experienced an outpouring of "empathy, faith and love of Israel" from the Christian leaders. In an effort to put these feelings into action, Elon met with 20 South Korean tourism agencies that specialize in tours to Israel.
Tourism to Israel from the United States rose 24% in the first nine months of 2003 compared with the same period in 2002. Over 181,000 Americans visited Israel in the period between January and September of this year. The Tourism Ministry has been conducting a massive campaign urging Jewish Americans to pledge, 'I Care. And I'm Going.'" A great increase in tourism was registered this September compared with September 2002 from South America, as well as from Italy, France, Mexico, Russia and elsewhere.
Tourism to Israel from the United States rose 24% in the first nine months of 2003 compared with the same period in 2002. Over 181,000 Americans visited Israel in the period between January and September of this year. The Tourism Ministry has been conducting a massive campaign urging Jewish Americans to pledge, 'I Care. And I'm Going.'" A great increase in tourism was registered this September compared with September 2002 from South America, as well as from Italy, France, Mexico, Russia and elsewhere.