Israel announces more financial support for UK operators
Israel is to offer further financial support to operators launching new flights from the UK to Tel Aviv and Eilat.
In an attempt to continue to increase the number of foreign visitors, it is offering to pay operators €45 per passenger on new flights to Tel Aviv and €60 per passenger on all new flights to Eilat.
Since last September, it has been paying airlines €45 per passenger for all direct flights to Eilat, for a maximum of 75 round-trips – but that support is due to end in May.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism said it now wanted to encourage new routes from additional airports.
The new payments will be awarded for flights carrying at least 140 passengers and from airports at least 62 miles from an existing departure point.
Israel welcomed a record-breaking 3.6 million tourists from around the world in 2017. Tourist board director Sharon Bershadsky said: "We hope that flight operators will see the value in capitalising on this and take part in the directive process enabling us to continue to further showcase what a beautiful destination Israel is and attract an even greater number of tourists in 2018 and beyond."
The Ministry will consider proposals from operators until July 31 for flights to Tel Aviv and October 15 for flights to Eilat.
Payments won’t be paid for passengers arriving during peak travel periods.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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