TORONTO — It was the afternoon before a long weekend, but that didn’t stop dozens of industry friends and well-wishers from heading over to Parallel Basta in Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood to wish Fiona Kosmin good luck in her new adventure in travel.

For the past two and a half years Kosmin has worked with the Israel Ministry of Tourism (Canada) as Director of Marketing and Partnerships, Canada, alongside Gal Hana, Consul – Director for IMOT Canada, and Jerry Adler, Deputy Director for Canada and Director, PR & Communications.

Hana and Adler were joined by Eyal Carlin, IMOT’s Commissioner for North America, at the Thursday afternoon event, as they toasted Kosmin’s tenure at IMOT, and wished her well in her next career steps.

“Fiona is embarking from Israel back to the cruise world,” said Hana. Kosmin worked for years with Carnival Cruise Line, and now she’s headed back to that side of the industry with a new role at NCL.

Hana and Adler had nothing but praise for Kosmin’s work at IMOT. “You’re a yes person. Every question, every challenge, you always said yes. You found a way to get things done,” said Hana.

That’s especially remarkable considering Kosmin joined IMOT in the middle of the pandemic.

Hana added: “It’s very exciting to see one of your people moving forward, and being an ambassador for Israel. I think NCL won big time.”

Kosmin thanked Hana, Adler and Carlin, noting “it’s been an honour to contribute to the growth of tourism in Israel.”

Kosmin has had the pleasure of visiting Israel three times, including with groups she led for IMOT. “If you send someone to Israel, guaranteed, they’ll want to go back. They will be a return client,” she said.

Eyal Carlin, Fiona Kosmin and Gal Hana