U.S., Sept. 18 -- Israel and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are in advanced stages of establishing direct aviation routes and concluding bilateral agreements for tourist visas, Israel's Tourism Ministry has revealed.

Only days after signing a historic peace agreement, Israel's tourism sector is already reporting a wave of interest from Emirati tour operators, travel agencies and hotels wishing to collaborate on ventures for both Israeli and Gulf travelers.

Despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Israel's Tourism Ministry is preparing for what it hopes will mark a turning point for tourist activity in the region.

In a statement, the ministry said the peace agreement signed at the White House this week "creates enormous potential" for tou...