Guy Kellner Named CEO of Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association
Guy Kellner takes over as CEO of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, succeeding Yossi Fattal. The industry faces unprecedented challenges with a 70% drop in activity amid the ongoing war.
Guy Kellner has assumed the role of CEO of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, succeeding Yossi Fattal, who is stepping down after an 11-year tenure. Kellner takes the helm during one of the most challenging periods in the industry's history, which has suffered severe and prolonged damage since the outbreak of the war in October 2023, recording an estimated 70% drop in activity compared to pre-war levels.
Kellner brings over two decades of management, business, and public experience. In his most recent role, he served as Deputy CEO of the Rishon LeZion Municipal Corporation. Previously, he held several senior positions within Publicis Israel, including CEO of Publicis Agenda and CEO of the Leo Burnett advertising agency. He has also served as Chairman of Issta and Chairman of the National Union of Israeli Students, and has been a member of the Ramat HaSharon City Council for the past 17 years.
The incoming CEO's core missions will include rehabilitating incoming tourism companies, renewing ties with international wholesalers and group organizers, restoring trust in source markets, and returning Israel to the global tourism map. Additionally, he will work to formulate a joint national plan with government ministries to provide economic and marketing tools, preserve human capital and professional infrastructure, and restore Israel's competitive edge.
"I am stepping into this role with a deep awareness of the importance of incoming tourism to the Israeli economy, employment, the country's image, and its relations with the world," Kellner stated. "Ahead of us lies a complex mission of rehabilitating an industry that has been severely and continuously damaged, but also an opportunity to lay the foundations for its renewed growth."
Outgoing CEO Yossi Fattal noted: "I conclude my tenure with a great sense of pride for the privilege of representing an industry where a love of the country is not just a slogan, but a fundamental condition." Association Chairman Lior Gelfand welcomed the appointment and thanked Fattal for his 11 years of dedication and exceptional commitment to the sector.
