Some 80 representatives from the Jerusalem tourism industry, including tourism entrepreneurs, attraction operators, tour guides, and other professionals, gathered on Sunday (November 1, 2026) at the Bible Lands Museum Jerusalem for a professional seminar organized by the Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Jerusalem Development Authority.
The meeting was aimed at strengthening ties between the leading bodies driving tourism in the city and local industry members, deepening collaboration, and presenting activities and plans to promote tourism in Jerusalem.
The event was attended by Tourism Ministry Director-General Michael Yitzhakov, Jerusalem Development Authority Director-General Tsachi Namir, and Tourism Portfolio Holder and Deputy Mayor Yeela Bitton De-Lange, who delivered opening remarks and highlighted the importance of cooperation among the various bodies active in the sector.
Direct meeting between tourism professionals and decision-makers
As part of the seminar, the activities of the Jerusalem Development Authority and the Tourism Ministry were presented, along with plans and initiatives regarding the tourist experience, infrastructure development, and city tourism marketing.
One of the central components of the event was the "Meet the Expert" sessions, during which tourism industry members were given the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from the Tourism Ministry and the Jerusalem Development Authority. The sessions allowed participants to raise questions, share field challenges and needs, and explore possibilities for collaboration.
Alongside the professional activities, participants also took part in a tour of the Bible Lands Museum, which hosted the seminar.
"Jerusalem is the crown jewel of Israeli tourism, a city like no other in the world," said Tourism Ministry Director-General Michael Yitzhakov. "Ahead of the expected growth in tourism, we are working to increase the supply of accommodation rooms and develop additional attractions across the city. Meeting with Jerusalem's tourism operators enables us to listen to needs from the field and work together to ensure a rich and diverse visiting experience for tourists coming to the city."
'The field is thirsty for connections and engagement'
The conference also served as an opportunity to reinforce relationships built in recent years between the city's tourism industry members and the municipal and government bodies involved in developing the sector.
Yeela Bitton De-Lange, Tourism Portfolio Holder and Deputy Mayor, addressed the joint activity and the importance of the meeting: "In the Rimon Forum for Tourism and Culture, which I established upon taking office about three years ago, we set a goal to deepen our acquaintance and cooperation with the Jerusalem Development Authority, the professional level in the municipality, and the governmental level in the Tourism Ministry. The seminar completes the circle. Given the responses and great success, I know we acted correctly and that the field is thirsty for connections and engagement. I have no doubt that doors have been opened for extensive action."
Tourism as a growth engine for Jerusalem's economy
Beyond strengthening professional ties, the seminar also focused on opportunities to develop the city's tourism sector and its contribution to local economic activity.
Neta Peleg Briskin, Head of the Tourism Division at the Jerusalem Development Authority, emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry personnel: "We are pleased to hold a professional seminar bringing together all entities operating in Jerusalem's tourism sector, allowing us to get a close look at the activities, needs, and opportunities of the local industry. We view tourism as a major growth engine for Jerusalem's economy, making a significant contribution to business development, job creation, and strengthening the city. Cooperation with industry professionals and the Tourism Ministry is a key component in Jerusalem's continued development as a leading tourist destination."
The seminar concluded following a series of professional meetings, presentations of city tourism initiatives, and the museum tour. For the organizing bodies, the gathering presented an opportunity to gain deeper insight into the needs of tourism operators and strengthen collaboration among the local industry, the municipality, and the Tourism Ministry as part of ongoing efforts to further develop Jerusalem tourism.