Minister of Tourism Haim Katz met this morning (Tuesday) with some senior restaurateurs in order to discuss the arrival of the Michelin Guide to Israel, the promotion of the industry and its recognition as part of the tourism industry.
The meeting was attended by leading restaurateurs who are members of the "Strong Restaurateurs Together" organization, including Chef Assaf Granit, Chef Yuval Ben Naria, Chef Assaf Doctor, the chairman of the organization Chef Jonathan Borowitz, and the CEO of the organization Chef Tomer Mor.
The meeting between the Minister of Tourism and the restaurateurs,
This is an initial meeting that is of great importance to the restaurant industry: today the restaurant industry does not belong to any government ministry, and as a result many moves that restaurateurs wanted to promote over the years fell through the cracks.
According to the restaurateurs, during the meeting the minister expressed his willingness to recognize the restaurant sector as part of the tourism industry.
As a result of such recognition, you could be promoted, for example, the possibility of required (preferred) work in the field of restaurants for veterans.
Chef Yonatan Borovich, chairman of the organization "Strong Restaurateurs Together", explains: "Throughout history, the Ministry of Tourism did not see the field of restaurants as something that needed to be nurtured.
When we go between government offices, there is no office that takes care of us and says: 'You are under our protection.'
Our main goal is to change this situation.
They came to an understanding, photo: Public Relations
At the meeting, the restaurateurs brought up the difficulties the industry is facing, including a severe lack of manpower.
According to them, this is a shortage of about 20 thousand workers.
Borovich: "We talked with the minister about the structural problems in the industry, about the manpower shortage, about opening up the possibility of preferential work in the restaurant sector and about increasing allocations for foreign workers. Regarding some things we came to an understanding."
As published a few days ago in Israel Hayom, Minister Haim Katz approved promoting the introduction of the Michelin Guide to Israel
, but in light of the fact that in the first stage Michelin sees the possibility of awarding stars and a recommended list only in Tel Aviv, the Minister directed the ministry to act with the Tel Aviv Municipality, According to the restaurateurs, the meeting revealed that final talks are now being held between the Ministry of Tourism and the Tel Aviv Municipality in preparation for the last step of the guide's arrival in Israel.
Minister Haim Katz, photo: Olivier Fitosi/Flash90
Tomer Mor, CEO of "Strong Restaurateurs Together": "We were impressed that the Minister is very pragmatic, comes with a desire and we anticipate that we will have a fruitful work together.
The pool of chefs and talent we have in Israel attracts tourism, so the state should help promote the restaurant industry and support us.
We are confident that together we will lead to the prosperity of restaurants and tourism."
The office of Tourism Minister Haim Katz said: "The minister embraces the restaurateurs, recognizes the importance of the industry and will help as much as possible to promote it. Today we opened a direct communication channel that will lead to fruitful cooperation."
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