Israel gearing up to receive more Chinese tourists

[Photo provided to China Daily]

Although Chinese tend to travel in groups to Israel, there are some young independent travelers as well. Young Chinese like new experiences, such as ecotourism, Shnitman says.

Lulu Kedmi, 43, a tour guide for Chinese visiting Israel for more than a decade, echoes Shnitman.

"As Chinese understand more about Israel and with the upcoming 10-year visa, I think there will be more individual tourists from China," she tells China Daily over phone.

Kedmi, who was born in China and is married to an Israeli, says some scenic spots in Israel have introduced Chinese subtitles in their promotional videos, and local tour guides are being trained to serve Chinese visitors.

She says that there are about 40 tour guides in Israel who speak Mandarin and several can also speak Cantonese.

Some are of Chinese origin like her and are trained to understand all aspects of Israel, ranging from geography to culture.

Up to 80 percent of the tourist groups she guides are Chinese who visit Israel on pilgrimages. There are also visitors who attend business seminars on topics like Israel's irrigation and sewage systems.

Kedmi says some Chinese worry if Israel is safe to visit, given existing tensions in the region.

"But when a guest returns to China, his or her good comment about Israel is the best promotion."