Tel Aviv, Jul 26 (IANS): Israel has launched a new plan costing 60 million new shekels ($18 million) to support the country's Covid-hit tourism industry, the Finance and Tourism Ministries said in a joint statement.

The program, initiated by Finance Minister Avigdor Lieberman and Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov, aims to support tourism businesses affected by the entry ban on tourists to Israel due to the pandemic, reports Xinhua news agency citing the statement issued on Sunday as saying.

According to the plan, hotels that have suffered a decline of at least 40 per cent in turnover due to the ban will receive special financial support over the coming months.

Financial support will also be given to Israeli travel agents operating inbound tourism in the country.

Besides, the plan will allow more hotel workers from Jordan and the West Bank to enter Israel.

Currently, Israel has banned the entry of foreign tourists, except for special cases.

Plans to reopen inbound tourism have been postponed by the government due to the recent sharp rise in Covid-19 infections in the country.