Israel to gay tourists: We’re open for you!

Israel to gay tourists: We’re open for you!
Nelson Alcantara

Israel was featured as the Travel Destination of the Year at last week's Equality Forum 2012, a global LGBT summit in Philadelphia.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said it had a booth at the summit, providing participants with information on LGBT travel to Israel.

According to IMOT, it participated in various events throughout the weekend, including: the panel on gay travel, along with leaders from the Israeli and American gay communities; the International Equality Dinner, which featured Michael Oren, Israel Ambassador to the United States, as the keynote speaker; and SundayOUT! at the Piazza, an outdoor party which featured performances by LGBT Israeli pop stars and DJs.

"We are excited about the positive response to LGBT travel to Israel at last weekend's Equality Forum 2012," said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America. "We hope this momentum continues leading up to Tel Aviv's annual Gay Pride Festival this June."

IMOT also coordinated an auction offering participants a chance to win a luxury travel package for two to Israel.