Opinion

Israel Loves Africa: African Tourism Board and Rwanda Air Take Action


African Tourism Board representative in Israel Mr. Dov Kalmann, has sent his congratulations to H.E. Ambassador Joseph Rutabana of Rwanda to Israel:

“In the name of the African Tourism Board, please accept our warmest congratulations as a result of this important development which will have a major impact for both the Israeli and Rwanda tourism industry, Israel is a nation with booming outbound and incoming tourism figures. The Israelis are excited to explore new exciting travel destinations whereas Israel has such a wide variety of tourism products to offer to the African travelers. The importance of this new series of flights is far beyond the scope of Rwanda only and will be felt by the whole region. We salute Rwandair for this decision and will be at your disposal for creating the brand awareness of Rwanda in Israel.”

Rwandair will start operating direct flights connecting Kigali in Rwanda with Tel Aviv, Israel starting on June 26, 2019. This is according to an agreement signed by the Ministry of Transport Israel Katz and the Ambassador of Rwanda Rutabana . Each country is entitled to operate up to 7 weekly scheduled flights between the countries, without any limitations regarding equipment or type of aircraft



Last month Dov Kalmann was appointed in Cape Town as the Israeli representative for the African Tourism Board.  He gave an extensive overview of the booming Israeli outbound travel industry and the huge potential for the Africa travel industry to promote to Israeli travelers.

He explained: Israel has a  population of less than 9 million. In 2018 Israeli tourists went on almost 8 million trips, compared to less than 3.5 million trips in 2010.  During the WTM Africa, at least 4 more African airlines approached Dov with news about their intention to operate direct flights to Tel Aviv.  All of them want to work with the African Tourism Board to create brand awareness of these destinations in Israel.

African Tourism Board Marketing Chairman Juergen Steinmetz said: “We encourage airlines with services to Africa to join the African Tourism Board and work with us on our vision to promote Africa as one tourist destination.”

Founded in 2018, the African Tourism Board an association that is internationally acclaimed for acting as a catalyst for the responsible development of travel and tourism to, from the African region.

Dov Kalmann operates Pita Marketing in Tel Aviv. African Tourism Board is currently working on a promotional plan for ATB Members interested in promoting their destination or tourism business in Israel. More information and to join visit www.africantourismboard.com