Philippines Ambassador Exclusive Interview: Advancing Talks for Direct Flights to Israel by 2026

While Vietnam has already become a magnet for Israeli tourists and Thailand is a well-known Asian classic, the Philippines is on the verge of a significant breakthrough in the Israeli market.

In December 2024, a joint tourism agreement was signed between the Philippines and Israel with a clear central aspiration: launching direct flights between Tel Aviv and Manila in the coming year. One of the main obstacles for Israeli travelers so far was the long flight and the need for connecting flights via Dubai, Ethiopia or Bangkok.

The Philippines Ambassador to Israel, Ms. Aileen Mendiola, reveals in an exclusive interview with Passport News, that this issue is her top priority: "We are in very serious talks with an Israeli airline that is showing great interest in the route. The goal is to launch direct flights during 2026. Once there is a direct route, our Tourism Ministry will significantly increase advertising and exposure budgets in Israel - this is one of my main goals as an ambassador."

Philippines Ambassador Aileen Mendiola. Courtesy of the Philippine Tourism Office

The ambassador also reveals surprising data: Currently, only about 25,000 Israeli tourists visit the Philippines annually, placing Israel 27th on the list of source countries of tourists to the Philippines. But in the opposite direction, the numbers are much more impressive: this year, about 45,000 Filipino tourists came to Israel - and these are not caregivers, but genuine tourists who arrive via Jordan or Dubai, mostly for religious reasons, viewing Israel as the Holy Land and the source of Christianity.

"This is 70,000 passengers in both directions," the ambassador explains. "And such numbers justify at least a weekly direct flight." Indeed, from what the ambassador tells us, following a conversation with Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz, there is mutual understanding that establishing direct flights could attract about 100,000 Israeli tourists annually to dive in the Philippines and also strengthen the Filipino tourism coming to Israel.

A direct flight is expected to completely change the picture, shortening the way, reducing costs, and making the Philippines a much more accessible destination for the Israeli audience, who today are looking for new destinations in Asia.

Courtesy of the Philippine Tourism Office

Much More Than Beaches and Surfing - 7,641 Reasons to Fly to the Philippines

For many Israelis, the Philippines is associated with white beaches, turquoise waters and surfing, but this is just one layer of the story. The country offers a huge variety of experiences that Israelis are not at all familiar with. With 7,641 islands, the Philippines is practically a natural amusement park that can suit every type of traveler: from diving and extreme enthusiasts to those looking for romance and tranquility.

In the north of the country are the Batanes Islands - a wild and traditional area where there are almost no cars and the area is often closed for entry and exit. On the other hand, it is a beautiful area with dramatic landscapes of green hills and cliffs above the sea, an atmosphere of another world, and lots of quiet. “This is my dream destination,” the ambassador reveals to us.

Not far away are the ancient rice terraces in northern Philippines, often referred to as “the eighth wonder of the world.” Local tribes live in the area, and one of the surprising attractions is a traditional tattoo artist over 100 years old, who has already become a known name among Israeli backpackers. Adventure seekers also have active volcanoes, with Mount Pinatubo as its prime, offering treks, lakes, and even natural mud baths.

Chocolate Hills - Courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

And in the realm of romance? Palawan Island, particularly Coron, is considered one of the great gems of the Philippines: resorts located on entire islands, hidden lagoons, and romantic dinners on a golden strip of sand that disappears with the tide. Palawan is considered a must-see destination in the Philippines, with spectacular limestone cliffs, crystal clear waters, and white sandy beaches. El Nido, located in northern Palawan, offers hidden lagoons, sea caves, and about 40 diving sites. It’s the perfect postcard picture of a tropical paradise.

The Religious Connection: Jubilee Year and Filipino Catholics

One surprising reason for the high number of Filipino tourists in Israel is the religious connection. "We are 90% Catholics and Christians," the ambassador explains. "The Holy Land is a dream destination. And this year is the Jubilee Year, which occurs only once every 25 years. According to our belief, one receives a special blessing if visiting the Holy Land in such a year." There is also a large religious organization called the Iglesia Ni Cristo (Church of Christ) with millions of believers, for whom Israel is the Holy Land. "They are very affluent tourists," the ambassador emphasizes. "It’s worth investing in them."

Masskara Festival - Courtesy of the Philippine Department of Tourism

The Filipino Community in Israel: De Facto Ambassadors

According to the ambassador, the Filipino community in Israel serves as a natural promoter of the country. "They post photos from Jerusalem and the Dead Sea, and Israelis are exposed to us," she says. "On Friday and Saturday, many Israelis come to the central station in southern Tel Aviv because it is so colorful and delicious there." This creates a unique cultural connection. Israelis become familiar with Filipino food, hear the language, and indirectly exposed to the culture. This is something that does not exist with other Asian destinations.

Culinary, Personal Security, and Warm Hospitality

The Philippines offers culinary wealth that combines Spanish, Chinese, and American influences. In Manila alone, there are over 100 places recognized in the Michelin Guide (stars and Bib Gourmand). The ambassador emphasizes that beyond food, the real experience is the people: "Our culture is based on family and caring for others. The Israeli traveler will immediately feel at home thanks to the English spoken by everyone and the genuine smile that accompanies every encounter."

The Philippines is considered a safe destination for tourists and especially for Israelis, except for certain areas in the far south that locals also avoid. Beyond this, there is the largest Christian Catholic concentration in Asia, which is mostly Muslim, making the Philippines also safe for the Israeli audience in terms of political-security, apart from the locals' warmth and hospitality.

With direct flights on the horizon, a culture of warm hospitality, and attractive prices, the Philippines is no longer just a destination for backpackers and surfers, but the next destination for families, couples, and culinary enthusiasts from Israel looking for their next paradise. All that remains for us is to wait for the direct flights that will reveal this wonderful destination.