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Report: Tourist service quality alarming
Special committee finds faults across the board, including major tourism centers. In conclusions submitted to Tourism Ministry it proposes full disclosure throughout sector, adopting EU tourism model
The committee headed by Dr. Israel Peleg was appointed a year and a half ago by former Tourism Minister Isaac Herzog. The committee members include Dr. Galia Fuchs, Adv. Ayelet Nahmias, Asher Goldshlager, Yanush Damon, Dori Shadmon and Daud Halila.
The committee, which was to submit its recommendations and conclusions to interim Tourism Minister Gideon Ezra on Tuesday, determined that the tourist service quality provided in Israel is “quite alarming.”
According to the committee, the tourist service and its quality should worry all those responsible for promoting tourism in Israel or have high regard for the matter. “Faults can be seen almost across the board, including in the major tourist center – the Old City of Jerusalem,” states the committee.
"The need to improve the service quality is grows, especially if Israel is to increase its image marketing efforts oversees as an international tourist destination.
"Moreover, competition is on the rise by neighboring countries such as Egypt and Jordan, where services are cheaper and the level of service has significantly improved over recent years.”
The committee recommends applying proper disclosure regulations in tourist advertising throughout the tourism sector, including internet advertising and marketing campaigns. Up until now, proper disclosure has only partially been implemented in travel agencies’ tourist packages.
An adequate model for imitation in the committee’s opinion, is the EU market commissioner. This model is based on the local residents’ needs, the tourists’ needs, the interests of the business-tourism sector, environmental preservation and historical heritage.
“Tel-Aviv Jaffa has the potential to succeed in applying the ‘European model’ due to its cosmopolitan status and appeal to both Israelis and quality market segments, such as business tourism . The city also enjoys economic strength."
