New flight to link Phuket and Israel

PHUKET TOWN: Direct weekly flights between Phuket and the Israeli city of Tel Aviv are to begin in November, an Israeli diplomat told the Gazette today. Subject to confirmation in September or October, El Al Israel Airlines will provide a weekly service for six months. Edward Shapira, Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Israel, said the aim was to increase tourism both ways. While Israelis account for only 10,000 of the 3.8 million visitors to Phuket each year, it is hoped a direct link between Phuket and Tel Aviv will increase the numbers. Mr Shapira was speaking at the opening of an exhibition of work by Israeli Zvika Zelikovitch, whose photographs celebrate life in his hometown of Tel Aviv. The exhibition, at the Cultural Center in the Rajabhat Institute of Phuket, will be open from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday, until July 3. Admission is free of charge.