Gil Travel - Group Tours Worldwide

Guide on Israel has become one of Japan’s most popular travel books.
Are Japanese tourists making Israel their destination of choice? If Japan sales of a “tourist bible” on Israel are anything to go by, then the answer is yes.

In recent years, Israel has seen a marked increase in tourism from East Asia, including Japan, China and Korea. In 2008, some 135,000 visitors from East Asia arrived in Israel, an increase of 20 percent from the year before.

Recognizing this trend, the publishers of Japan’s largest travel guide added Israel to the popular Globetrotter series. The new guide book quickly climbed to second place on the company’s best-seller list of guide books by country.

Most Japanese tourists traveling independently view the Globetrotter series as the “tourist Bible” - using it for hotel and restaurant recommendations, and even for shopping in recommended stores.

As a result of the book’s success, a translation will be published in Korean by the end of the year.

It’s normal to see a few Chinese tour groups in airports or other tourist locations, but when we found out the Chinese Travel Service setting up this trip, we had to check it out. We found out, as anyone traveling to a foreign country, that this tour group had many questions about what kind of preparations they should make for their trip to Israel. They wanted to be in compliance with the culture they’re not used to and be respectful for the local’s and their own sake. Will all the shops be closed on the day of rest? Are there Chinese restaurants in Israel? Where can we buy a menorah? Should we not bring any snacks with pork?

(Image: Destination Israel)

All-in-all, this is really exciting for two cultures separated by continents to connect for a leisure, sight-seeing and history. This is only the beginning; the trip marks the first of many similar groups from China going to not only Israel but several other nations on the Chinese Travel Service’s approved list.

This also heads up a series of airports that link from Tel Aviv and other outgoing routes in Israel. New goals are being set with increased visitors found from both directions. This helps a great deal with GDPs and GNPs alike. It’s also greatly encouraging to see the amount of interest found in Israel, which goes a long way for welcoming visitors entering the country.

We are joined here today with Co-Founder Iris Hami. Thanks for joining, us Iris.

1 - What improvements in the travel industry have you seen in the last few years?

The flow of communications has improved tremendously. Also, the ability to find information on the internet, as well as passing information to your clients has improved tremendously.

2 - Where are your favorite places to visit?
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This May will see the 60 year celebration of Israel’s independence. For six decades, Israel has made great strides in creating a country that easily rivals many others that have been around for much longer. The economy is bolstered by many international agreements, which in turn lends itself to many exports and companies coming to Israel to do business. This, in turn, has led to a huge rise in tourism, which Israel is famous for. (more…)

If you like living here on planet Earth, and are socially conscious about its future, then ecotourism is for you! Imagine being able to visit a rainforest, not just learning about them on the world news. Imagine gaining personal growth from experiencing the environment you care about. This is ‘green’ travel. (more…)

Traveling can be great, in fact it can be awsome, but no one wants to be sick while traveling, especially when you have planned so much. There’s plenty to think about, but who wants to think about being sick on a trip? Nothing beats an exotic destination or a new found favorite vacation spot, but for those who have been stuffed up, achy, tired, jetlagged, feverish, ill, or any other way of describing ’sick’, it can turn that dream in to a nightmare. (more…)

So you’re looking to get some questions answered about international travel. This is perfectly normal. You have thought about Europe and whether that 80’s hair band (with such hits as “The Final Countdown”) was named after it, well, it was! This is a great question so let’s tackle a few more! (more…)

Do you travel for leisure or fun? Or is it the “sights” to be seen? Are you a traveler who lives for taking photos to share with others, or scrapbook for your memories? The reason people travel varies, but most people have that ‘one
thing’ they just HAVE to do! Some find that shopping for that unique item in that out-of-the-way shop is the primary goal. Others find their traveling success defined as asking for the ‘best little spot to dine’ and going there. Collecting a trinket or two to remind you of your trip is a great way to connect with that far off destination, making that far-off land not so far away. (more…)

1 - Argentina - Buenos Aires is a popular vacation spot for many around the world. The ambiance of the French atmosphere combines with the sultry sounds and moves of the tango in this coastal capital city.

2 - Australia - No world traveler’s journey is complete without a trip to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. Known for its friendly people and distinctive skyline, Sydney is a destination that is hard to pass up. Attractively, it is known as a year-round destination because the climate is temperate, even in the winter.

3 - China - China’s tourism has been a boon for a country rich in tradition and culture. Said to overtake France as the #1 world travel destination by the year 2014, China is starting to get noticed by many. Having the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing to look forward to, prospective visitors are advised to confirm plans early in the season.

4 - Czech Republic - Prague, the “golden city,” is a highlight to many travelers of Europe and beyond; the reasons are beautifully and romantically obvious. There are hundreds of concert halls, galleries, cinemas and music clubs in the city. Upon arrival to this destination, Prague’s integrated transport system brings riders to within a five-minute walk to any feature within the central city, reliably and cheaply.

5 - Germany - Berlin is classic Germany at its best. Known to air and land travelers as a hub location, this intellectually stimulating and artistic locale is worth more than a mere lay-over visit. And when the sun goes down, dances and parties of all kinds begin to “rev up,” belying the conventionality seen by daylight.

6 - India - the subcontinent of India is full of adventure. The Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is a must see on anyone’s travel to-do list. Nature tourism meets and exceeds expectations here- expect to enjoy waterfalls, preserves, and amazing animals, large and small.

7 - Israel - Classic and appealing, Jerusalem is loved around the globe for its old and new alike. Here, an enduring and monumental culture makes ancient history alive again. Modernity Areas such as Haifa are also gaining in popularity, according to the Jerusalem Post.

8 - Morocco - Casablanca which was also made popular by the movie with the same name boasts some very impressive architectural sights. Marrakech, also known as the city of gold, deserves attention for its handicrafts and bazaars that make local artifacts available to anyone willing to bargain a price. And don’t forget to sample coffee from the many cafes.

9 - Spain - if you’re looking for that classic European style, few cities compare to Barcelona, a Mediterranean coast destination and a designated world-class city. For those in search of beaches and parks, please revel in the abundance of well-maintained choices to choose among here. Catalan, the language and culture of Barcelona, is finding its revival under friendly auspices, and harks back historically more than 2000 years.

10 - Vietnam - Hanoi allows the traveler to explore the old and new side by side. Food and flavor tempt the most discerning palate to sample a friendly central mix of Asian cuisine while the historical influence of the French permit the flourish of luxury hotel standards to befit anyone who enjoys a measure of relaxation.