Hotels that cater to the Chinese palate will receive a special government grant, according to a new plan set forth by Tourism Minister Yariv Levin (Likud). The grant is in line with the ministry’s efforts to generate more tourism from China, which have so far been unable to overcome certain obstacles. Levin has now decided to push the issue forward, directing ministry employees to promote a series of initiatives.

The decision to make hotels more accommodating to Chinese tourists stems from a market analysis indicating a lack of congruence between the state’s desire to boost tourism and a number of objective conditions which the Chinese tourist seeks, chief among them an adequate Far Eastern menu. As a result, in its advertisements the Tourism Ministry will promote Israeli hotels that make the appropriate culinary adjustments.

The ministry also decided to press for another direct flight between the countries, to be operated by a Chinese airline (in addition to the line already operated by El Al), and to produce information for tourists in Mandarin. This will include an Israeli-Chinese conversation manual for tourists and Israelis, to facilitate better communication.

The Tourism Ministry is also encouraging the training of more tour guides who know Mandarin, and intends to continue increasing the pool.

Levin on Monday said that “the countries where the most tourists come to Israel from are the United States, Russia and Germany. The three countries with the greatest potential for increasing the number of tourists to Israel are China, India and Brazil. Therefore we will begin by removing entrance obstacles, from issuing visas to making the food more compatible.”