WHY IT RATES: The timing for Ilan Marciano’s appointment as director of tourism for the Midwest U.S. region is ideally timed with United Airlines’ resumption of nonstop flights between Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport. Marciano is charged with working with tour operators and travel advisors throughout the region to boost business to Israel. — Claudette Covey, Executive Retail Editor
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) today announced the appointment of Ilan Marciano as Director of Tourism for the Midwest U.S. Region. Based in Chicago, Marciano will represent IMOT and lead the Ministry’s travel marketing efforts across the Midwest, including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, Illinois, Missouri, Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska and Kansas, working with travel suppliers, tour operators, faith and community leaders, airlines and media to increase travel to Israel from the region.
Marciano steps into the role as United Airlines recently resumed year-round nonstop service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) with 4 weekly flights. The nonstop connection gives the Midwest a lift point to Israel, and Marciano will work closely with United to build on that access through joint marketing, trade outreach and consumer campaigns aimed at Midwest travelers.
In the market, Marciano will work closely with tour operators and travel advisors across the region, develop programs with Chicago-area churches and faith organizations, and represent IMOT at trade events and consumer shows throughout the Midwest. He will also serve as the Ministry’s primary point of contact for regional media covering travel to Israel.
“Ilan brings a strong personal connection to Israel and extensive experience in the field, making him an excellent choice to lead IMOT’s tourism initiatives in the Midwest,” said Yoram Elgrabli, commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism. “With United’s nonstop access from O’Hare now part of the picture, this is the right moment to put a dedicated director on the ground in Chicago. The Midwest represents a large share of Israel's Christian, Catholic and Evangelical travelers who visit the country for faith-based trips, and Ilan will make them feel welcome and excited about traveling to Israel to visit the sites deeply rooted in history and religion.”
Marciano began his career as a parliamentary correspondent for Ynet, covering Israel's political system for more than a decade. He later served as an advisor in the Knesset and as chief of staff at the Ministry of Labor and Welfare, then founded I.M Consulting, a strategic communications and government relations firm. He has advised ministers, CEOs and senior officials, built spokesperson and communications programs, and managed complex media and public affairs issues. Marciano most recently served as strategic communications and public affairs advisor to Israel’s National Road Safety Authority.
My focus will be on the market itself – the tour operators, advisors, airlines and community leaders who will bring Midwest travelers to Israel,” said Marciano. “United’s nonstop flight from O’Hare makes this an easier trip to sell, and I plan to use that access to build real momentum here, especially in the faith-based segment, a major share of demand in this region. I'm looking forward to getting into the market and building those relationships.”
SOURCE: Israel Ministry of Tourism press release.
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