Diplomatic Events

 

The event was aimed at the Israeli public with the intention of showcasing the country as a world - class surfing destination featuring two renowned Israeli surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Belinsky, who shared their experiences in El Salvador and explained why the country has become one of the world's premier surfing destinations due to the quality of its waves, tourism infrastructure and the warm hospitality of its people. Last year, tourism in El Salvador grew exponentially, at more than 4%, almost 4.5 million people visited El Salvador in 2025.

 

The evening highlighted El Salvadaor's role as a host of major international surfing events which included the World Surf League (WSL), the ISA World Surfing Games, the ISA World Junior Championship, the ISA World Longboard Championship and the Alas Pro Tour which strengthened El Salvador's position as a leading destination for sports tourism. Thanks to the initiatives and policies driven by the incumbent President, the Honorable Mr. Nayib Bukele, El Salvador has become one of the world's safest countries to visit. 

 

The Master of Ceremonies and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Raphael Castro's address was in Hebrew. 

 

Afterwards the Ambassador who also spoke in Hebrew, welcomed all and sundry mentioning that El Salvador has become one of the world's most sought after surfing tourist destinations world wide. The country is located on the Pacific ocean and provides constant waves perennially as well as warm waters. Recently our government launched a campaign to make our coastal area into a tourism destination. El Salvador hosts the most prestigious surf competitions. Our  country's breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural diversity and warmth of our inhabitants is a valid reason to visit. Next month, on the 26th of September, UN Tourism Day will be hosted in El Salvador focusing on artificial intelligence and digital transformation.

 

A short and colourful movie about Surf City in El Salvador was shown.

 

 

 

 

A panel discussion in Hebrew with the Ambassador and two of Israel's most known surfers, Gabi Wolovick and Lior Belinsky sharing their El Salvadorian experiences took place on a raised dais against a backdrop of photographs of El Salvador's impressive coast line and pristine beaches. Both surfers mentioned the safety and calm atmosphere prevailing in El Salvador as well as the love El Salvadorians have for Israel. Logistically it is also convenient to visit El Salvador as the surf locations are a mere 40 minute drive from the airport. Hiking, rafting, a rich cuisine and extraordinary nature including forests and rivers are another reason to visit this MesoAmerican country. After the panel discussion the Ambassador presented Gabi Wolovick and Lior Belinsky with an award of appreciation inscribed on glass in honour of their efforts to promote El Salvador as a premier surfing tourist destination.

 

Fresh fruit, savories, pastries, cake, soft drinks and an El Salvadorian delicacy, pupusa, a pancake consisting of corn served either with cheese or black beans accompanied by a coleslaw salad and tomato sauce was also served.   

 

 

There was a table manned by the El Salvadorian Consul, Ms. Alexandra Molina, who wore a traditional El Salvadorian costume of blue and white, complimentary promotional caps, tshirts, arms bands and water bottles advertising Surf City were given to guests upon request. 

 

Among members of the surfing community in Israel, tourism stakeholders, media representatives and guests interested in learning more about El Salvador's Surf City was El Salvador's Honorary Consul in Israel, Mr. Yossi Abadi, Mr. Roy Roznek, Kosovo's Honorary Consul in Israel, H.E. Mr. Yosef Livne, previously Israel;'s  Ambassador to El Salvador, Ms. Dana Oren Yanai, Herzliya's Deputy Mayor, Ms. Miri Berger, Executive Director of the Israel - Latin America Chamber of Commerce, Ms. Ronit Ovadia, CEO Managing Director of Herzliya Municipal Tourism Development Company, Mr. Dov Kalmann, Chairperson of Kalmann and Co Ltd, Founder of Terranova Tourism Marketing Ltd, Chairman of Neuland GSA Tourism and Hospitality Ltd and Publisher of "Israel Tourism Community" magazine and Ms. Rosetta Rebecca Pardo, CEO of Sal Global Ltd.