The Chinese government has added Israel to its list of approved countries for group travel.  
The announcement came on Thursday after both countries have been working together to encourage more tourism.  

Tourism Minister Haim Katz and Chinese Ambassador to Israel Tsai Ron, have been working to address the slump in travel between the two countries in the wake of the pandemic.  

Travel between Israel and China stopped completely during in 2020 and has been slow to return to pre covid levels.

Before the pandemic, tour groups from China accounted for over 60 per cent of Chinese tourism to Israel. 

Ben Gurion Airport (Getty)

Ben Gurion Airport (Getty)

According to the Tourism Ministry’s data, in 2019 an estimated 150,000 visitors, came from group tours. 

And despite 1.97 million tourists visiting Israel in the first half of 2023, levels have not reached what they were pre-pandemic. 

Speaking to reporters Tourism Minister Katz said: “I welcome the decision and thank the Chinese ambassador to Israel Tsai Ron, for his cooperation and efforts to add Israel as a recommended country for group tours. 

“This will dramatically increase the volume of incoming tourism from China. The Asian market has enormous potential, we will continue to work to bring it to fruition.” 

Ambassador Ron recently announced an increase in the number of flights between the countries.  

While you can fly direct to Israel from Beijing and Shanghai, you will soon be able to get a direct flight from Shenzhen to Israel. 

China is also set to take part in the 2024 International Tourism Fair held in Israel.