Speeches

Statements by Senior

Embassy Officials

Remarks by Ambassador Richard H. Jones for the Travel Dinner
Monday, May 12, 2008
7:00 pm at the CMR

President of Skal Israel – Jonathan Harpaz, distinguished guests:  It is truly a pleasure for me to welcome you to my house and to thank you for many years of outstanding travel services.

Remarks by Ambassador Richard H. Jones for the Travel Dinner Monday, May 12, 2008: From left to right: Adi Azoulay, Passport; Zeev Arnon, Arei; Dan Hirschhorn, Aviation Links; Eyal Bar, Discover America; Yael Torres, U.S. Commercial Service; Shai Lahav, Tal Aviation; Ambassador Jones; Avi Sadi, Natour (Israir Group); Edit Coher, World Gesher; Gideon Thaler, Tal Aviation; Moshe Gilad, Journalist; Avivit Peleg, Natour; Nir Haklili, Passport Productions;

A special thank you goes to the members of the Israeli delegation to Pow-Wow for your enthusiasm and your ongoing efforts to discover new destinations, to build new relationships with U.S. suppliers, and to develop the U.S.-bound travel industry.   I know you’ll have a great time, but remember, what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!  We don’t want to learn about it unless it involves business.

Speaking of business, 2007 set an all time record for tourism to the United States, driven in large part to the favorable Shekel/U.S. Dollar exchange rate.  In total, 56 million visitors pumped 122 billion dollars into the U.S. economy last year.  But we don’t need to quote official statistics to tell you that the United States is a popular travel destination for Israelis.  Arrivals from Israel equal 51% of all Middle Eastern arrivals – not counting Secretary Rice!  Our Consulate is processing 800 visa applications per day and processed over 165 thousand applications in Fiscal Year 2007!  I’m also pleased to report that the current wait time for tourist visa appointments is down to two weeks, making it easier than ever for Israelis to travel to the U.S.

 I am also glad to see that U.S. airlines are playing such a strong, supportive role in this growth by expanding their direct service to Tel Aviv. In fact, just two months ago we celebrated with Delta Air Lines as they launched their new direct daily flight to New York JFK.  Connections are getting so good that I flew to the U.S. and back yesterday in just six hours!  The U.S. soil I was on was the deck of the Harry S. Truman Aircraft Carrier.  Throughout the ship we saw reminders of Truman’s spirit.  It was a fitting reminder of his courage in recognizing Israel 60 years ago and helping a fledging state become a full member of the international community.

As we celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary and all of its accomplishments over the past six decades, I can’t help but be reminded that Israel’s strength lies in the dynamism, innovation and spirit of its people.  This is reflected in our guests tonight who come from all over the country and from different parts of the travel industry.  The common denominator is your passion to travel.  Thanks to your efforts, Israel is on the move, and I am sure your passion will continue to drive the Israeli travel and tourism industry.