Lighting Up the Skies: Aviation and Tourism Leaders Gather with Passport Group at InterContinental David

Israel's aviation and tourism leaders joined Passport Group to light the first Chanukah candle, unveil new Passport Group initiatives, and explore 2025 trends

PassportNews
published 25.12.24 | 20:59 | Updated 27.12.24 | 18:46

Photo: Sivan Farage

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Lighting the First Candle: Passport Group Leads a Celebration of Resilience in Israel's Tourism and Aviation Industries

The aviation and tourism sectors in Israel have faced extraordinary challenges since the onset of the recent conflict, with significant struggles continuing to this day. In this turbulent backdrop, a moment of unity and innovation emerged as industry leaders came together to celebrate Chanukah and ignite the first candle alongside the Passport Group.

Held at the prestigious InterContinental David Hotel, the event gathered CEOs and owners of Israel’s leading tourism and aviation companies. It was hosted by Passport Group’s Chairman and Owner, Adi Azulay, along with the group’s CEO, Efrat Doron, and the dedicated Passport team.

Unveiling New Horizons

Throughout the evening, Passport Group announced ambitious plans to broaden its reach to new audiences. These initiatives include:

Entry into the Russian Market: A strategic move to cater to this significant demographic.
A Fully AI-Driven English Website: Redefining user engagement with cutting-edge technology.
A New Spa and Wellness Platform: Designed to address growing trends in health and wellbeing tourism.
Expansion into Kosher Tourism: Managed in collaboration with Dudi Rubinstein, a renowned tourism consultant (Chul Mehudar), who will develop content and offerings for both domestic and international kosher travelers.

Looking Ahead: Passport’s Vision for 2024 and Beyond

The event also marked the launch of Passport’s latest magazine, offering a detailed preview of 2024’s key developments and early insights into trends expected in 2025. This milestone underscores the group’s commitment to innovation and leadership in Israel’s tourism sector.

Esteemed Attendees and Unparalleled Hospitality

Among the notable attendees were Tali Raz Ginot, Marketing and Sales Director of the InterContinental David Hotel, and Galit Luani Levy, the hotel’s Public Relations Manager. Their presence highlighted the collaborative spirit of the industry during these challenging times.

The culinary experience, curated by Serrano Catering, a division of the renowned Pilpel Group, was a testament to luxury and creativity. With over 25 years of expertise in high-end kosher events, Serrano Catering impressed guests with a menu that seamlessly blended local flavors with international inspirations. Under the guidance of Chef Assi Zohar, attendees savored dishes such as:

Mushroom and truffle risotto with cherry confit
White fish ceviche infused with fresh herbs
Spicy papaya salad with salmon and cashews
Camembert and berry bruschettas
Winter-perfect artichoke and chestnut soup

The meticulous attention to detail ensured an evening of culinary excellence befitting the luxury setting.

A Symbol of Renewal and Growth

This Chanukah celebration symbolized resilience, innovation, and a shared commitment to rejuvenating Israel’s aviation and tourism sectors. As Passport Group lights the way toward new opportunities, the industry stands poised for a brighter and more connected future.

Participants in the Evening: Sharon Kedmy, CEO of the Airport Authority, Achiya Gal, CEO and owner of Issta Group, Ephraim Kramer, owner and CEO of Eshet Tours, Oz Berlowitz, CEO of Arkia, Yaakov Amsalem, CEO and owner of Amsalem Tours, Ofer Khodorov, chairman of Diesenhaus Group, Eyal Kashdan, CEO of Flying Carpet, Gal Gerson, CEO of Sun Dor, Revital Ben-Natan, CEO of Ofakim travel and tourism, Kobi Zussman, CEO of IATA, Lior Galfand, Chairman of the Bureau of Incoming Tourism Organizers in Israel, Ofer Reinhardt, CEO of Laufer, Rina Kamani, CEO of the Association of Travel Agencies in Israel, Ophir Danai, CEO of Ofran, Oren Drori, CEO of the Hotel Association in Tel Aviv, Alon Neta, Israel's commercial manager of Air France KLM Group, Rinat Chai Barkan, sales and marketing manager of Air France KLM Group in Israel, Ephraim Portis, owner of Open Sky, Gideon Tahler, chairman and owner of Tal Aviation Group, Amir Eleh, CEO of Genesis Tourism, Assaf Ben Dov, vice president of marketing and sales of Africa Israel Hotels, Avi Schwartz, CEO of Aegean Airlines, Shani Shifferman, CEO of Fattal Terminal, Yariv Moses, Amit Levy, sales manager of El-Al's Israeli branch, Oren Meguri, VP of sales and marketing at The Flying Carpet, Nir Mazor, VP of marketing and sales at Aviation Relations, Dudi Rubinstein, Pazit Shabi, sale manager of Hilton International in Israel, Goldi Muller, director of the German Tourism Office, Louisa Carlas, director of the Cypriot Tourism Office, Doron Hadad, CEO of Moya Group, Dov Kalman, chairman of Trenova, and Neta Gafni from Ophir Tours.