TORONTO — Tour operators from Canada and around the world arrive in Israel this week to attend WHERE ELSE: Israel Tourism Convention and Conference 2013.

Initiated by the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with partner companies and organizations, ORTRA – Professional Conference Organizers, EL AL Israel Airlines, Arkia Israeli Airlines, the Israel Hotel Association and Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, the conference will take place between Thursday, Dec. 5 and Wednesday, Dec. 11.

As part of promoting the State of Israel, this convention’s target is to expose delegates from around the globe to the many options that Israel can offer their clients. The Where Else program includes featured lectures, tours and information sessions aimed at promoting tourism to Israel both in the lucrative religious and leisure markets.

“Having our newest sales channels, and other Israel stake holders see and experience the product will result in a greater understanding of the true business potential Israel can deliver, and is imperative to their respective company’s success,” said Ami Allon, Consul for Tourism, Director Israel Government Tourist Office – Canada. “We anticipate that the Canadian delegates and others, who attended Where Else, will work to expand their menu of niche package tours to Israel.”

During the convention, delegates will tour extensively throughout the country with a program that includes options to the country’s North and South regions, and will visit places in and around Israel: Tel Aviv, The Dead Sea, Eilat, Jerusalem, Caesarea, Haifa, Tiberias and the Galilee area.

The Canadian delegation includes: Brett Walker, Collette Vacations Canada; Georgios Dimitrakopoulos, Mr. Travel; Hayley Grossman, Insight Vacations; Aphrodite Karagioules, Land of the Gods; Robert Sharp, Out Adventures; Jacob Mazgaonkar, EL AL Israel Airlines; Ami Allon, Consul for Tourism, Director Israel Government Tourist Office –Canada.