Recognition of tourism as a priority industry, a target of 11 million tourists in 2011, a casino in Eilat and later in Mizpe Ramon and at the Dead Sea, and more designated carriers, are among the recommendations of the national task force headed by Dan Hotels chairman Michael Federman that examined ways of boosting the number of tourists visiting Israel.
The ministers of finance and tourism should appoint a team to present recommendations by June on government involvement in the tourism industry, the task force's report says.
The task force recommends investing in the promotion of internal tourism, and the development of cultural and leisure facilities.
The task force also recommends that a national outline plan for tourism should be drawn up, and that there should be an alternative program to the Encouragement of investment Law for channeling investment into hotel construction.
On aviation, the task force recommends that the government should adopt a policy of encouraging free competition in flights to and from Israel, including amendment of current legislation governing aviation services.
A further recommendation on this topic is to respond positively to the EU's invitation to negotiate an aviation agreement, and to sign such an agreement within a year, as a part of a policy free of restrictions other than those relating to safety and security.
As far as existing bilateral agreements are concerned, the task force recommends adding more designated carriers offering scheduled flights on routes to Israel.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes.co.il - on April 30, 2006
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2006