Israel’s Tourism Drive Gains Momentum at OTM 2026 with Strong Engagement and Future Growth Plans for India

Published on February 10, 2026

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) marked a significant milestone at the Outbound Travel Mart (OTM) 2026, held from February 5th to 7th at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. This prestigious event attracted a diverse gathering of travel professionals, tourism industry stakeholders, and media representatives. During the closing ceremony, IMOT was honored with the Innovation in Destination Promotion Award, a recognition that highlights its forward-thinking and creative approach to destination marketing. This accolade reflects Israel’s strategic efforts to position itself as a top travel destination, both regionally and globally.

At the exhibition, the Israeli pavilion stood out as one of the most dynamic and engaging spaces, serving as a hub for interaction among industry experts and participants. The three-day event saw over 600 productive meetings, which spanned various segments of the tourism market, including leisure tourism, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), family travel, and FIT (Free Independent Travelers). Key Israeli Destination Management Companies (DMCs), such as Rivera Tours, RT&T Triple “S” Tours & Travels Ltd, Magi Holidays ISRAEL, Amaris Tours and Events, and Amazing Jerusalem Tours, played an active role in the exhibition, driving conversations with a focus on Israel’s diverse travel offerings.

The strong interest in Israel from all corners of the Indian travel industry was evident, with numerous requests for further information and follow-up meetings. Travel agents, airlines, online travel agencies (OTAs), content creators, and media representatives all expressed heightened curiosity and enthusiasm for the destination. The exhibition facilitated valuable discussions, which will undoubtedly foster greater collaboration between Israel and India, two markets that have witnessed growing ties in the tourism sector over the years.

OTM 2026 reinforced the significance of the event as a powerful platform for fostering relationships between IMOT and Indian travel professionals. The quality and depth of the interactions at the fair reflect the growing interest in Israel’s rich cultural heritage, vibrant traditions, and diverse travel experiences. The Israeli tourism ministry is optimistic about the continued growth of the Indian market, particularly as more Indian travelers seek to explore Israel’s unique blend of ancient history, religious landmarks, and modern attractions.

India has steadily become one of Israel’s most important source markets for tourism. In 2025, Israel welcomed 13,800 visitors from India, making it one of the top ten inbound source markets globally, and the leading market from Asia. With the goal of further expanding this presence, IMOT is projecting a significant increase in Indian visitors to Israel in 2026, with an estimated 50,000 travelers expected to visit the country. This surge is part of Israel’s broader strategy to tap into the immense potential of India’s burgeoning outbound tourism market.

In line with this ambitious growth plan, IMOT has laid out a comprehensive roadmap for 2026 aimed at accelerating tourism flows from India. The Ministry’s strategy includes a multi-faceted approach involving trade and media outreach, participation in prominent global trade shows, and targeted visits to tier-II cities across India. These efforts are intended to raise awareness of Israel’s year-round appeal and encourage Indian travelers to explore the country in all seasons. Experiential events will also be a key part of this strategy, offering Indian audiences a closer look at the varied and captivating experiences that Israel offers—from its bustling cities to its tranquil landscapes and ancient monuments.

Looking ahead, Israel is poised to benefit from a flourishing partnership with the Indian tourism market, and OTM 2026 has undoubtedly laid the groundwork for future success. With a focus on building stronger relationships with key industry players and promoting Israel as an accessible, diverse, and year-round destination, IMOT’s presence at OTM has set the stage for an exciting year of growth and collaboration in 2026.