Holidays in Israel could be back on the cards before Pesach next year, thanks to a string of new intiatives, according to Sharon Bershadsky, director of the Israel Government Tourist Office.

A plan for new ‘green islands’ in Eilat and the Dead Sea, allowing tourists to visit following a negative Covid-19 test, is hoping to encourage domestic tourism in the coming months if the final details are approved, and could be rolled out to international visitors as well.

“We do hope to see travel in Q1, maybe not the beginning but the end,” she explained. “If this works well with domestic, maybe it will work for tourists.”

The initial focus for overseas tourism will be on escorted tours to the country, as well as international business travel, she added, also subject to official approval. “It will be easier to track and trace. We know where the tour is going, and who’s organising it.”

The comments come after the opening of a new rapid coronavirus testing centre at Ben Gurion airport for those arriving in and departing the country. Travellers will be able to choose an express test costing NIS 135 (around £30), with results in around six hours, or a cheaper slower option at NIS 45 (around £10) with a wait of 14 hours.

While British Airways, easyJet and Wizz Air currently have no flights scheduled until after the UK lockdown is set to end on December 2, El Al and Virgin Atlantic are continuing to fly to Israel for those legally permitted to travel and to enter the country.

“It’s a great vote of confidence,” says the director, adding that all five airlines have continued to fly over the past eight months when possible. “El Al, the moment they could, they started to fly again. They will continue to maintain the route, even if it’s the minimum.”

Although the tourist board has focused on its ‘Two Cities One Break’ campaign in recent years, teaming Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in one trip, she expects tourists to be looking at alternative options once travel restarts, including a focus on more sustainable travel.

“Israel has a lot to offer. We have great weather most of the year and the amount of things you can do outdoors is endless – the Negev, the green North, Masada – and not just if you’re sporty and active. I think we will see more people going in that direction.

“You meet smaller communities, minorities, you contribute to their economy. Everyone is thinking about sustainability.”