Israel launches AI travel-tech network to boost tourism

Israel's Tourism Ministry has launched Travel Innovation IL, a national travel technology community, to integrate artificial intelligence and other innovations into the country's tourism sector. Unveiled at a Tel Aviv conference, the initiative aims to connect tourism companies with technology firms, startups, investors, government bodies, and universities. The ministry invested approximately 1 million shekels (about $300,000) in the community, which will foster collaboration and develop AI-driven solutions. Michael Izhakov, Tourism Ministry Director General, stated, "The world of tourism has undergone an unprecedented transformation in recent years, and artificial intelligence is changing the way people search for information, plan trips and consume experiences." Adam Arbel, the ministry's senior deputy director general, added that "The State of Israel can become a global travel-tech powerhouse." The initiative, managed in cooperation with KPMG, is part of a broader strategy to enhance Israel's tourism industry through technology, entrepreneurship, and infrastructure investments.