Israel Ministry of Tourism Eyes Strong Growth from India, Wraps Up OTM 2026

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) concluded its participation at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, held from 5 th – 7 th February at Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, amidst a distinguished gathering of travel professionals, tourism industry stakeholders, and media representatives.

Event:
IMOT showcased Israel at Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, held 5–7 February at Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai.

Award:
Honoured with the Innovation in Destination Promotion Award at the closing ceremony, recognizing its creative marketing approach.

Engagement:
- Pavilion was one of the most dynamic hubs, hosting 600+ meetings across leisure tourism, MICE, family travel, and FIT segments.
- Participating Israeli DMCs included Rivera Tours, RT&T Triple “S” Tours & Travels Ltd, Magi Holidays Israel, Amaris Tours and Events, and Amazing Jerusalem Tours.
- Strong interest from travel agents, airlines, OTAs, content creators, and media representatives.

Visitor Numbers:
- In 2025, Israel welcomed 13,800 visitors from India, making India its top Asian source market and among the top ten globally.
- IMOT projects ~50,000 Indian visitors in 2026, signaling a strong rebound.

Quote:
Galit Hoffman, Consul – Tourism Affairs for India, noted that Indian travelers seek destinations with “character, stories, and different experiences,” which Israel offers through its blend of ancient sites, modern culture, and cuisine.

Roadmap 2026:
- Trade and media outreach.
- Participation in key trade shows.
- Tier-II city visits in India.
- Experiential events.
- Campaigns to position Israel as a year-round destination.

This shows Israel is doubling down on India as a priority market, with ambitious growth targets and a clear strategy to deepen engagement.