Bar Rafaeli at London world tourism fair

November 10th, 2006

A little glitz and glamour was added to the Israeli stand at the Word Travel Market (WTM) expo in London on Monday when it was officially opened by Israeli supermodel Bar Rafaeli alongside tourism minister Isaac Herzog.
The international trade show, which runs from November 6-9, is one of the international tourism and travel industry’s largest and most important trade events. The four-day expo brings together worldwide buyers and sellers from every sector of the industry with the aim of generating new sales leads in the international travel market.
Rafaeli, the girlfriend of movie star Leonardo DiCaprio said she was honoured to be asked by Minister of Tourism Herzog and said she is “ very proud” to represent Israel.
She said: “It’s a great honour to be here and I’m very proud to be representing Israel. As much as I’m succeeding abroad and my career, it only gives reason to explain to people where my roots are from and where I’m from and how special Israel is and I’m glad also to be able to have a voice abroad so I can show all that.” Asked what is special for her about Israel, she said: “I love Israel, it’s a tiny country that has everything, we have snow up in the north, deserts in the south, beautiful beaches, modern cities and historical sites.
“We really have everything and the more I travel in the world, the more I love and understand it,” she added.
“We are concentrating on a major new initiative to get back to the market after the war. We want to make it clear that things are calmer and quieter and put tourism back on track. Israel is an amazing place and we are showing lots of self-confidence.
“To help facilitate a recovery for Israeli tourism, we need to do it by changing people’s thoughts about Israel as it is different to how it is perceived. With the amazing things Israel has to offer, we are trying to radiate something positive, friendly and attractive and this is why we are working with Dead Sea products, Michal Negri, Bar Rafaeli and I think we are making a point and [the Israeli pavilion] seem to be a hit here at the show,” he added.
WTM takes place at Excel Exhibition Centre in London’s business capital, Canary Warf that sits on the River Thames. Over 48,000 exhibitors and visitors will pass through over the next days and 31 Israeli businesses will participate in this year’s event that include hotels, airlines, travel agents, car rental and many other companies.
Visitors to the 530 square meter Israeli pavilion will find a giant spa offering Dead Sea mud treatments and massages.
Herzog, together with Rafaeli and Kohistani, visited all the Israeli stalls and spoke to exhibitors before watching a fashion show, put on by Gottex and Michal Negrin, that attracted a huge number of visitors.
There will be a Gottex swim and beach wear fashion show twice daily throughout the expo and renowned jeweller Michal Negrin will also showcase Israeli products. A prize draw for free trips to the country, in conjunction with Osem and Ahava, will be held during “happy hour”.