The brouhaha after eight Chinese tourists were charged NIS 16,500 for a meal at the Abu Ghosh Restaurant near Jerusalem seems to have enhanced the eatery's reputation. Despite a campaign of condemnation by the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association CEO Yossi Fattal for allegedly overcharging, which received coverage in the local and international media, the restaurant's proprietor Jawdat Ibrahim reports that the restaurant was packed over the weekend.
Ibrahim, who hired Assaf Shmuel, a top consultant in countering shaming on social media, insists that the Chinese tourists "got what they paid for," like all the tourists who visit the restaurant. Ibrahim said there was not an empty seat in the restaurant on Saturday and they were even patronized by more Chinese tourists.
Ibrahim said that the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association, "Did not do any damage to the restaurant's reputation but to the State of Israel. I'm prepared to accept their apology and we'll move forward. I think the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association did not understand the affair and did a lot of damage. I'm prepared to talk to them and explain the situation but so far they haven't even spoken to me."
Ibrahim still insists that he was forced to close the restaurant to accommodate the Chinese tourists and that was why the bill was so expensive.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 12, 2016
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