The Israel Ministry of Tourism announces the gradual and safe reopening of tourism across Israel, signaling renewed opportunities for Filipino travelers seeking meaningful pilgrimage journeys, cultural discovery, and leisure experiences.
Ambassador of Israel to the Philippines Dana Kursh highlighted the renewed momentum in Israel–Philippines tourism, emphasizing efforts to enhance accessibility and further strengthen people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“My vision is clear: to bring Filipinos to experience Israel, the Holy Land and a hub of innovation, and to encourage Israelis to discover the Philippines, a nation of more than 7,000 islands known for its rich culture, natural beauty, hospitality, and compassion. These strong people-to-people ties are already evident through the Filipino community in Israel and the growing number of Israelis visiting the Philippines each year.
Establishing direct flights between our countries will make this vision a reality,” said Ambassador Kursh.
Tourism activity is resuming across the country, with national parks, heritage landmarks, museums, and beaches reopening to visitors under guided and phased protocols. This development comes as international airlines progressively restore routes to Ben Gurion Airport, improving accessibility for global travelers, including those from the Philippines.
Among the highlights, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has resumed operations in several iconic destinations. Open sites include globally recognized heritage and nature locations such as Masada, Ein Gedi, Ein Avdat, Herodium, Tel Megiddo, and Qasr al-Yahud. Popular Mediterranean beaches, including Bet Yanai Beach, Palmahim Beach, and Ashkelon Beach, are also reopening to visitors.
Air connectivity continues to strengthen as international carriers have resumed operations to Israel, further enhancing accessibility for global travelers. Airlines currently flying include Lufthansa, Swiss Airlines, Wizz Air, Eurowings, Swiss Airlines, Belavia, Blue Bird Airways, SCAT Airlines, Smartwings, Hainan Airlines, Georgian Airways, HiSky Europe, Qanot Sharq Airlines, and Azimuth Airlines. These are in addition to earlier resumptions by airlines such as Etihad Airways and Ethiopian Airlines, reinforcing Israel’s growing accessibility for international travel.
In Jerusalem, key pilgrimage and cultural sites are open to visitors, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Western Wall, and the Temple Mount central to Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faith traditions. Major institutions such as the Israel Museum, Yad Vashem, Tower of David Museum, Bible Lands Museum, City of David, and the National Library of Israel are also welcoming guests.
Meanwhile, Tel Aviv is reviving its vibrant arts and lifestyle scene. The Tel Aviv Museum of Art reopened, followed by Eretz Israel Museum, which is hosting the third edition of the Tel Aviv Biennale of Crafts and Design 2026. The ANU Museum of the Jewish People also continues to offer immersive cultural experiences.
For Filipino travelers, Israel remains a top destination for pilgrimage, particularly to sites of deep Christian significance, while also offering a dynamic mix of culture, gastronomy, and coastal leisure.
“Israel has always held a special place in the hearts of Filipino travelers, particularly for pilgrimage and faith-based journeys. With the gradual reopening of our tourism sites and the return of international flights, we are excited to once again welcome Filipinos to experience Israel’s rich heritage, spiritual significance, and diverse attractions in a safe and meaningful way,” said Anna Oraiza Aban, Marketing Manager of the Israel Ministry of Tourism – Philippines.
Travelers are encouraged to check updated guidelines and booking requirements, as some sites may require advance reservations as part of visitor management protocols.
With improved connectivity and a wide range of reopened attractions, Israel is ready to once again welcome Filipino visitors offering a journey that blends faith, history, culture, and modern lifestyle experiences.