Anti-Israel rally in Paris
Photo: AFP
Israeli tourism fair opens in Paris
Despite growing pressure by anti-Israel elements, Tourism Ministry decides to go ahead with its annual event in France but in different format
The Tourism Ministry has decided to open its annual tourism fair in Paris as planned Thursday, despite being pressured by different elements opposing the event. However, the fair was to be held in a limited manner and in a different venue.
Nonetheless, the Tourism Ministry decided to hold the fair as planned, but in a different format.
Anti-Israel elements have increased their pressure against the fair over the past week, including plans to hold mass rallies during the event and attempt to interrupt it. Dozens of anti-Semitic incidents have taken place in France since the start of the Israeli offensive in Gaza.
Anti-Semitism
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The meetings scheduled to be held at the French capital's Grand Hotel have been moved to different locations, after the hotel's management expressed its fear that dozens of anti-Israel demonstrators would damage the place.
Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balila said, "The Tourism Ministry will not give in to the pressure of anti-Israel elements seeking to damage and disrupt Israel's activity in the world, and will continue to work to strengthen Israel's image as a safe and attractive tourism country seeking peace while working to defend its citizens and visitors."
Israel's tourism fair in France, called STIFE, is aimed at strengthening the Jewish state's image as a unique, attractive and high-quality tourism product, tighten the work relations with veteran marketers and develop new work relations. During the event, dozens of professional meetings are held between French and Israeli tourism officials.
