Israel this week saw the first group of fully vaccinated tourists since the Covid-19 pandemic began, marking the start of its phased reopening of international tourism.
The group was made up theology students from the Prince of Peace Church in Missouri, and is the first group in a pilot program organized by the Ministry of Tourism and Ministry of Health.
More groups are scheduled to arrive during the next two weeks.
"Israel is healthy and vaccinated. Restaurants, hotels, concerts, markets and sporting venues: everything is open," they were told during a welcome by Minister of Tourism Orit Farkash-Hacohen.
Israel has been leading the way with its vaccination drive, with about 85% of its adult population inoculated.
As a result, nearly all health-related restrictions will be lifted starting in June.
The limited pilot program for vaccinated tour groups will be used to assess the best way to reopen to all vaccinated foreign visitors on individual trips.
