Tourism, Hope, and Peace: Highlights from the Annual Gala of Passport Group 2025

"Even in challenging times, the tourism industry must lead the preparation for the days after the war, when tourists will return to Israel."

Photo: Sivan Farag

This message resonated among the leading industry figures, alongside ambassadors and directors of the tourism and transportation ministries, who gathered at the Passport Group's Gala - People of the Year 2025.

Adi Azoulay, Gal Gershon, Ofir Danai, and Ofer Reinhardt. Photo: Sivan Farag

During an event attended by aviation, hospitality, and tourism leaders from Israel and abroad, Adi Azoulay, Chairman and owner of Passport Group, honored industry figures for maintaining resilience during challenging times for the sector and the country.

Michael Itzhakov. CEO of the Ministry of Tourism

Ambassadors of Austria' Vietnam and Thailnad. Photo: Farag

From the right: Reinhardt, Azoulay, and Louisa Verakalas

"It is easy to criticize the Israeli aviation industry, but remember it has operated under extraordinary conditions this year," said Azoulay, also praising hotel industry leaders who continue to run their businesses across the country despite zero incoming tourism to Israel, impacting us despite our frustrations.

Efrat Doron, CEO of Passport Group, detailed the group's achievements over the past year, including new developments like Bulgarian and Russian sites, increased presence in Greece and Cyprus, and the upcoming Israel Tourism website. Doron noted a 440% surge in access to PassportNews, reaching 2 million monthly visits recently.

Efrat Doron/ Photo: Farag

Before her address, Doron invited guests to raise a glass to the new year, prepared by "Wildlife" bartender and owner Nitai Koren.

Doron invited Koren to the stage to honor his hundreds of reserve days served since the outbreak of the war, which forced him to close his business for about half a year. Throughout the evening, Koren prepared various cocktails inspired by Israir destinations.

Photo: PassportNews

The evening featured addresses from Michael Itzhakov, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Uri Sirkis, CEO of Israir (the event's main sponsor), and in celebration of five years since the Abraham Accords, Fleur Hassan-Nahoum highlighted the robust relationship between Israel and the UAE, emphasizing its significant impact on aviation.

Photo: Sivan Farag

Honorees at the Event

Flydubai airline and its representative in Israel, Open Sky. The award was received by Giliana Assouline, Flydubai's commercial manager in Israel, and Open Sky CEO, Efraim Portis. The award was presented by Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassadors Club in Israel.

Photo: Sivan Farag Portis and Giliana Assouline

Etihad Airways and its Israeli representative, Maman Aviation. The award was received by Ofer Reinhardt, Yariv Abramovich, and Ran Polak and representatives in Israel. The award was presented by Yoram Naor, Vice President of the Ambassadors Club in Israel.

Photo: Sivan Farag Representatives of Maman Aviation with Yoram Naor

Ofir Danai, owner and CEO of Ofran. Danai received the award for his initiative for accessible vacations through adapted cars and to mark 35 years of Ofran operations. The award was presented by Adi Azoulay, Chairman and owner of Passport Group.

Photo: Sivan Farag Ofir Danai

Avia Magen, CEO of Fattal Hotels in Israel, concludes her role after eight years and over two decades with the hotel chain. The award was presented by Eli Cohen, Chairman of the Israel Hotel Association.

Photo: Sivan Farag Eli Cohen and Avia Magen

Anat Aharon, Vice President of Fattal Hotels in Israel, concluding a highly successful tenure. The award was given by Passport Group CEO, Efrat Doron.

Photo: Sivan Farag Anat Aharon

In the People of the Year for Passport Group 2025, Reuven Elaks, CEO and Partner at Israel-Canada Hotels, was honored.

Photo: Sivan Farag Reuven Elaks

The Announcement

Ladies and gentlemen, today we acknowledge the person who led one of the remarkable leaps in the hotel industry in Israel and Europe. Under his leadership, Israel-Canada Hospitality - transformed from a young player to a significant hotel network within just six years. With the acquisition of Brown Hotels domestically and internationally, readying for a TASE offering, spanning dozens of hotels in Israel, and expanding to Europe during a challenging time for the industry.

Photo: Sivan Farag

Tonight we award Reuven Elaks, who has been chosen as the Person of the Year of Passport for 2025, along with his partners Barak Rosen and Asi Tuchmair, establishing a strong network with a bright future. For his audacity, vision, and ability to turn crises into opportunities – you are our Person of the Year.

The award was presented by Adi Azoulay, Chairman and owner of Passport Group and Passport Group CEO Efrat Doron.

The Entire Tourism and Aviation Industry Gathered

Among the many guests attending the annual Passport Group gala event - People of the Year - 2025, were CEO of the Ministry of Transportation, Moshe Ben Zaken, CEO of the Ministry of Tourism, Michael Itzhakov, Ambassador of Thailand to Israel Boonyarit Vichienpuntu, Vietnam Ambassador to Israel, Ly Duc Trung, Director of the Cyprus Tourism Office in Israel, Louisa Verakalas and senior members from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the United Arab Emirates. Yitzhak Eldan, President of the Ambassadors Club in Israel and his deputy Yoram Naor were also partners in the event.

Moshe Ben Zaken. CEO of the Ministry of Transport. Photo: Sivan Farag

Senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and Chambers of Commerce as well as leaders of the tourism and aviation industries from Israel and globally, including Eli Cohen, President of the Hotel Association, Rami Levi and Shalom Haim, owners of Israir and Uri Sirkis, CEO - the main event sponsor, CEO of Arkia Oz Barlevich and his deputy Edit Yunger, and many others attended.

President of the State, Isaac Herzog, sent an exciting greeting.