Updates | ITN - Israel Travel News

Many tourists who arrived in Israel this year have already visited - proof that Israel is a desirable destination in the world. Read more >

The Tel Aviv Jazz Festival is one of the most important jazz events in Israel. Read more >

July's Park HaYarkon concert in Israel is the tour’s closing concert. Read more >

The arrival of the 2018’s 4 millionth tourist in Israel sums up a year of record-breaking tourism. Read more >

Israel's Tourism Ministry will provide free shuttles for pilgrims between Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Read more >

More than 60 weekly flights now link Tel Aviv and Eilat to the main airports in Romania. Read more >

Israel is listed among the "Most Incredible Travel Experiences" in Condé Nast's January magazine. Read more >

Israel has been included in Travel+Leisure’s annual year-end list of the top 50 best places to travel. Read more >

The Dead Sea is like nowhere else on earth. Read more >

Jerusalem will drive the expansion, with growth set to accelerate 38 percent to 4.8 million arrivals by the end of the year. Read more >

Approximately 389,000 tourist entries were recorded in November. Read more >

Leading guest chef from Turkey to join dozens of Arab and Jewish Israeli chefs in Haifa. Read more >

Jerusalem sparkles with lights, Christmas trees and a festive atmosphere in and around the Old City. Read more >

In October, approximately 1.36 million tourist stays were recorded, an increase of 12% compared with last year. Read more >

The paper calls the Vera Hotel a 'mix of modernism and history.' Read more >

By the end of 2018, Israel expects to reach and even surpass the 4 million tourist mark. Read more >

Amy Tara Koch focuses on Jerusalem’s city center and shows how it has 'transformed into a vibrant scene.' Read more >

The Wall Street Journal has placed Tel Aviv #3 in its list of 10 Most Intriguing Travel Destinations for 2019. Read more >

"The month of October breaks a historic record with an astonishingly unprecedented figure." Read more >

Over 165,000 tourists are expected to land in the sunny southern city. "Eilat is back on the international tourism map." Read more >

The plan will triple the length of existing bicycle paths in the capital - from 43 km today to 123 km. Read more >

The best local kitchens will open their doors and share secrets of the beloved and healthy Middle Eastern cuisine. Read more >

Tel Aviv’s Levinsky Market made the list of “The Best Antique Stores and Flea Markets, According to the Pros”. Read more >

I Am King, a tribute to the King of Pop, is landing in Israel for 20 spectacular dates in 2019 Read more >

Analysts project an expected 3.7 million tourists by the end of the year. Read more >

Israel’s top global beats festival, Sunbeat attracts a diverse and exciting lineup of musicians from Israel and beyond. Read more >

This amazing city has become a special destination for those seeking something more than just quiet days at the beach. Read more >

Thousands of tourists are expected to visit Israel for next year's contest. Read more >

Wintery Jerusalem is a unique, warm, cozy and attractive city with lots to do. Read more >

There was a 10% increase in tourist entries in August 2018 as compared to 2017. Read more >

Each year, those who work in Israel's tourism industry gather to raise a toast for the Jewish New Year. Read more >

Yael has extensive experience working with government ministries, the Knesset and various authorities. Read more >

The superstars of the travel industry were recently recognized by the American Society of Travel Advisors. Read more >

There's plenty to eat and to buy in Jaffa. But one of the best things to do there is simply wander and take in the contrasts. Read more >

Israel performed well on this year’s list, with Jerusalem ranking at #3 and Tel Aviv at #4. Read more >

Both possess many years of experience in hotel management. Read more >

Tourism stats are spiking ever higher and this means Israel needs to up its game to accommodate the crowds. Read more >

Between January–July, about 2.4 million tourist entries were recorded - a 17% increase on the same period last year. Read more >

Ross Belfer, founder of Xhibition PR and Eager Tourist, recommends checking out Israel's northern Mediterranean coast. Read more >

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is expanding its activities at Ben-Gurion Airport and has placed a new welcome desk for incoming tourists. Read more >

Jerusalem City Pass holders also get free inner-city public transportation, including buses and light rail, for a whole week. Read more >

The Jerusalem Season of Culture Festival is an innovative art initiative taking place in the Holy City for a month. Read more >

Foreign tourists spent a record 5.94 million nights at Israeli hotels during the first half of 2018. Read more >

Israel's official cocktail festival celebrates four years of creativity. Read more >

The airport is expected to open to the public during the coming winter. Read more >

"The good news is that Tel Aviv is more than halfway to where it needs to be in terms of hotel industry growth." Read more >

Tel Aviv is one of the 10 cities in Europe whose rate of tourism rose most substantially last year, according to Mastercard. Read more >

In June alone, 310,200 tourists entered Israel - an increase of about 2% compared with June of last year. Read more >

Israel simply doesn't have enough real estate and needs an out-of-the-box solution. Read more >

At a ceremony in Athens, World Travel Awards chose the David Intercontinental as the best hotel in Israel. Read more >

The new complex is expected to open at the end of 2018 in Terminal 1. Read more >

At last! Israel's Dead Sea Resort area will finally receive the face lift it deserves. Read more >

There was a 14% increase in incoming tourism in May 2018 compared to May 2017 and about a 22% increase from January-May 2018 in the same period last year. Read more >

Fattal has appointed Chen Bruner CEO of the Leonardo Plaza Hotel in Jerusalem. Read more >

Tour operator Central Holidays has created a new brochure focusing on the top ten destinations and Israel is included. Read more >

Joining the WTA opens Israel's doors to cooperation in the East and in China in particular. Read more >

Tourist Israel and iTravelJerusalem highlight some of the events taking place in Israel in June and July. Read more >

The cable car will be a unique tourist attraction, from which tourists and visitors can look down on the city of Jerusalem and its unique sites. Read more >

408,400 tourist entries were recorded in April 2018, about 17% more than April 2017. Read more >

The Open Sky reform has transformed Ben Gurion Airport over the past five years from a small airport category to among the world's largest airports. Read more >

The Montefiore Windmill in the Yemin Moshe neighborhood opposite Jerusalem's Old City walls, will soon become another great attraction for locals and tourists. Read more >

Tel Aviv doesn’t always make the list of de facto design-forward destinations—which is why the city is guaranteed to surprise you. Read more >

Over half a billion people around the world have been exposed to the ministry's campaign, within the framework of the Giro d’Italia Big Start in Israel. Read more >

In recent years, the Tel Aviv municipality has taken a number of steps to become eco-friendlier. Read more >

Jerusalem is unique in so many ways and clearly tourists have discovered this as well. Read more >

Israel has one of the most exciting dining scenes in the world. Read more >

"This a result of the marketing activities and the innovative steps we are taking, together with the incentives for airlines and investment in infrastructure." Read more >

A growing number of tourists from India have shown interest in coming to Israel and touring its sites and cities. Read more >

The most visited spots include Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee area. Read more >

Israel expects to welcome 4 million visitors in 2018, and it is growing to meet the demand. Read more >

Listed as well by Lonely Planet as the "vegan nation", Israel has the most number of vegans per capita. And this makes Tel Aviv a "heaven for the herbivores." Read more >

Israel is one of the safest places to vacation and, slowly, the global tourism industry is beginning to catch on. Hopefully, more articles like this will appear in many more publications. Read more >

While Jerusalem is often viewed as a city for sightseeing and important to the three major religions, Condé Nast has taken the initiative and changed the focus to dining in the Holy City. Read more >

Hotels in Israel consistently rank among the top hotels around the world. Read more >

The popular magazine has included the presidential suite in the David Citadel hotel in Jerusalem among the top 16 in the world. Read more >

The Israel Tourism Ministry has announced the launch of #PopUpOasis, a social media competition that offers the winner a custom-made glamping experience in Israel’s Negev desert. Read more >

In the first two months of 2018, approximately 566,000 tourists entered Israel - an increase of 25% compared to the same period last year. Read more >

The “Park of Wonders” is expected to have a similar layout to Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Florida, but with Jewish and Israeli themes. Read more >

Rafi Weiner, CEO of the Tamares hotel chain, has announced his resignation. Read more >

Gonen Usishkin will succeed David Maimon as chief executive officer on February 15th Read more >

Israeli startup Vortex Energy has developed software to reduce operational costs for hotels by up to 20% Read more >

The Ministry of Tourism and the Israel Lands Authority (ILA) have announced the publication of a tender to lease three plots for hotel and commercial purposes in the Ir Yamim neighborhood of Ashkelon. Read more >

Israel’s 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Jewish state begins on April 18 with "70 Hours of Celebrations" Read more >

70,000 tourists came to Eilat on direct flights last winter. The Tourism Ministry expects 280,000 this winter.

Read more >

Israel's new high-speed train between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem is expected to cut travel time in half - to just 28 minutes! Read more >

This is just one of many indicators that point to growing interest in Israel abroad. Read more >

Gonen Usishkin has been named as the new incoming CEO of El Al, replacing David Maimon. Read more >

David Maimon, CEO of El Al since 2014, will step down after an overall successful reign at the helm of Israel's national airline. Read more >

Israel has changed its visa application process for tourists visiting from India and the subcontinent. Read more >

Abraham Tours, founded in 2010, was rebranded from its original name of Indie Travelers - a travel and touring company established for FIT travelers. Read more >

Tel Aviv has been featured on Travel + Leisure's: 'The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018' list, as voted by travel experts. Read more >

The Jerusalem Development Authority is launching a tourist card which will provide benefits to those visiting a selection of sites in Jerusalem, in addition to receiving free public transport in the city. Read more >

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, around 335,900 tourists entered Israel during the month of November. Read more >

The Israel Airports Authority (IAA) has put forward a tender for the building of a structure which will manage additional numbers of people departing the airport. Read more >

The Annual conference of the Israel Association of Travel Agencies & Consultants (ITTAA) took place on 28 November in the LAGO complex in Rishon LeZion. Read more >

Ayalon Institute Museum, next to Rehovot Science Park, was once a secret ammunition factory concealed as part of a kibbutz during the British rule in the 1940s. Read more >

The Atarim Corporation, which is 50 percent owned by the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa, is continuing work on the development of the Tel Aviv promenade. Read more >

Israel's government has approved the construction of the Trans-Israel Trail, a tourism trail that will span throughout the country. Read more >

The Zman Amiti Bartending School, which has locations across Israel, offers a two-hour class in Tel Aviv, where participants learn how to pour, mix and shake cocktails. Read more >

The Ministry of Environmental Protected has introduced a new electric car-sharing scheme in Haifa, a project launched alongside the Jewish Nation Fund (KKL-JNF), in collaboration with Car2Go. Read more >

TEL AVIV ON...

independent.co.uk

An article entitled "How Tel Aviv became the Vegan Capital of the World" appeared on the digital edition of British newspaper The Independent. Read more >

Sharon Alon has been appointed CEO of the Crowne Plaza Hotels Israel chain, where he will manage its operations. Read more >

The Municipality of Tel Aviv has launched a new car sharing service in Tel Aviv, powered by Car2Go, which allows users to temporarily secure a vehicle via a mobile app. Read more >

A number of organizations in the Israel tourism industry exhibited at the 37th WTM in London, which took place on 6-8 November 2017. The inauguration of the Israel Pavilion, spanning 400m², was attended by Israel Ministry of Tourism Director General, Amir Halevi, Israel's Ambassador to Britain, Mark Regev, and Director of the IGTO, UK & Ireland, Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky. Read more >

Israel marked the arrival of its three millionth tourist to the country this year, on the morning of Tuesday November 7, with a ceremony at Ben Gurion Airport. Read more >

Israel's richness transcends beyond its eventful history, with an evolving catalogue of captivating architecture, outstanding culinary, thriving micro-cultures, high tech centers and agricultural wonders. Read more >

Ronen Nissenbaum has been appointed as CEO of Dan Hotels from January, as voted by from the company’s Board of Directors, replacing Rafi Sadeh. Read more >

An update from Israel Ministry of Tourism CMO Marketing Administration, Hilit Megged Bergbaum, on international campaigns, marketing initiatives and the next phase of promoting Israeli cities abroad. Read more >

Recent excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have revealed, for the first time in 1,700 years, eight preserved stone courses under eight meters of soil at the Northeast corner of the Western Wall. Read more >

The 24th IMTM (International Mediterranean Tourism Market) on 6-7 February 2018, will take place for the second year in a row in Pavilion #2 at Israel Trade Fairs & Convention Center in Tel Aviv which spans 6,000m². Read more >

Work has commenced to build an elevator on the city's southern promenade, by Island Suites Hotel and Ramada Netanya Hotels & Suites, reaching a height of 33 meters. Read more >

The Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) has collaborated with Thomas Cook to promote Jerusalem as a tourist destination, in a campaign rolled out across Europe. Read more >

Recent figures published by The Economic Department of the Israel Hotels Association have revealed a rise in the number of average tourist person-nights in Israel. Read more >

According to the monthly report on Ben Gurion Airport from the Israel Airports Authority, September 2017 recorded over 2.5 million passengers passing through the airport. Read more >

Tel Aviv Bars on Standard.co.uk

London's tabloid newspaper Evening Standard has featured an online article entitled "7 of the best bars in Tel Aviv off the beaten track." Read more >

Ein Ofarim, a new nature reserve in the Arava region, is to be constructed spanning approximately 6,900 acres of land and located next to Moshav Idan in Central Arava. Read more >

The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA), an organization working to prevent light pollution and protecting the night skies, has named the Ramon Crater Nature Reserve as the latest International Dark Sky Park, the first destination to be recognized in the Middle East. Read more >

Ramat Hanadiv is a nature site located between Zikhron Ya'akov and Binyamina, dedicated in memory of Baron Edmond de Rothschild, who played a role in the establishment of the State of Israel. Read more >

A new seafront project in Haifa, initially approved by Israel's National Planning and Building Council last year, has received final approval from the government's Housing Cabinet. Read more >

Giro d'Italia, the world's second largest bike race after the Tour de France, will commence its 101st race in Jerusalem next year, marking the first time it has started outside of Europe. Read more >

The Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association (IITOA) has announced an estimated 30 percent increase on the number of tourists entering Israel this year Read more >

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 254,800 tourists entered Israel in August Read more >

Beit Kandinof, a new space combining art, classes, events and dining, has opened on Hazorfim St. in Jaffa, in a 17th century structure comprising what was once three independent buildings Read more >

A project to construct a tourist cable car, connecting the Upper Nazareth to the lower slopes of Tabor, has been approved by the Israeli government Read more >

The Municipality of Beit Shemesh has announced the final plans for construction of Yarmuth Park, to commence within the year. Stage one, costing a reported ILS 30 million (approximately $8.4 million) Read more >

The new high-speed train connecting Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in 28 minutes has completed its first test run. Read more >

CNN has ranked hummus as the number one food on its roundup of "…20 of our favorite Middle Eastern dishes," as voted by restaurant owners and food experts. Read more >

David Bernas has joined the Crowne Plaza Eilat as general manager, moving from the Crowne Plaza Dead Sea where he also served as general manager during the last five years. Read more >

The Israel Central Bureau of Statistics has recorded 271,000 tourist entries during July 2017, a 17 percent increase compared to July last year. Air entries accounted for 246,000 of this figure. Read more >

More than 400 participants attended the annual convention of the Incoming Tour Operators Association held at the Tel Aviv Hilton on July 31. Read more >

The Kokia House Visitors Center, located on HaNevi'im Street in central Jerusalem, opened its doors in December of last year. Read more >

The Agamon Hula Lake Nature Park, which forms part of Israel's eco-tourism network, rests within the Upper Galilee's agricultural region at Hula Valley and is one of the country's most populated bird-watching sites. Read more >

The Israel Finance Committee has approved a request by the Israel Ministry of Finance to transfer the 2016 surplus of ILS 164 million (around $46 million) Read more >

Betzavta (Hebrew for 'together') is a new dining concept launched earlies this year by co-founders Niv Saar and Ori Pearl, with a focus on bringing tourists and locals together. Read more >

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) recently discovered a 1,600-year-old winepress, located in the Negev, unearthed in a stone building dating back to the fourth century, the start of the Byzantine period. According to a press release from the IAA, the region is known for its agricultural conditions and once housed vineyards that produced and exported local wine. Read more >

Tzippor Birdwatching Center has opened in Rosh Tzippor Park in Ganei Yehoshua (Yarkon Park), a natural green

lung of Tel Aviv. Read more >

A 300-meter stretch of shoreline located south of Eilat’s pier has transferred ownership from the Eilat Ashkelon Pipeline Company (EAPC) to the Municipality of Eilat. Read more >

The Hadar Market food fair has opened in Hadar Mall, Jerusalem. Read more >

Two water parks scheduled for inauguration in Eilat over the next two to four years, are being developed. Read more >

An 800 year old tunnel has been discovered in Tiberias by the Israel Antiquities Authority, thought to have once served as an escape route between a Crusader fortress in Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee. Read more >

Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon has signed a declaration designating five new national parks and nature reserves in Israel. Read more >

A total of 250 tourism professionals participated at the international business forum in Russia, arranged by the Israel

Ministry of Tourism across two cities – Saint-Petersburg on June 6 and Moscow on June 8. Read more >

Based on figures by Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, the month of June 2017 has seen 303,000 visitors entering the country. Read more >

Fattal Hotels has launched a culinary venture entitled: “Fattal Market,” serving an Israeli style market breakfast twice a week in its Eilat hotels Read more >

Condé Nast Traveller (UK) Hot List 2017

The UK edition of Condé Nast Traveller has included the Poli House Hotel on its Hot List 2017, announced in June and appearing in the publication’s July/August edition. The list features a number of “top hotel openings” as rated by the magazine. Read more >

Bezalel Hotel in Wallpaper

The Bezalel Hotel, Jerusalem, has been featured in lifestyle magazine Wallpaper, citing that it “…pays homage to the city’s local design and Israel’s artistic past and present.” Read more >

Located northwards of Tiberias in the Upper Galilee, the city is hailed as the center of Kabbalah and offers much to its thousands of annual visitors in terms of ancient sites, spiritual teachings and sprawling nature. Whilst living in Israel, I have heard much chatter of Safed’s holiness, and, like many others, have grown intrigued as to its supposed spiritual offerings. Read more >

Founded in the 1920s, the Tel Aviv Convention Center has resided at its permanent location on Rokach Blvd., since the 1960s, where it stands surrounded by ornamental gardens Read more >

Mishlohof is an on-demand app providing deliveries to Tel Aviv beaches. Upon loading the app, users are asked to select their desired products, register via email or Facebook and pay with credit card, Paypal or cash, and click the “Find Me” button on the final screen, to allow couriers to pinpoint your location. Read more >

A new premium check-in service station has been introduced at Ben Gurion Airport on the ground floor (G) of Terminal 3, for passengers traveling on El Al Arkia, Israir, Turkish Airline and SWISS, with more airlines to be introduced. Read more >

May has seen an increase of almost 17 percent in the number of tourists visiting Israel compared to the same month last year. Read more >

As reported in ITN #384, the Atarim Corporation, which is 50 percent owned by the Municipality of Tel Aviv-Jaffa Read more >

The Knesset (Israel’s Parliament) has approved the construction of a cable car tourism project to the Western Wall Read more >

The first conference of the Israel Association of Travel Agencies & Consultants for Incoming Tourism Read more >

During May 18-24, the Israel Ministry of Tourism hosted three German-speaking travel trade journalists in Israel Read more >

Experience Jerusalem

The Jerusalem Development Authority (JDA) is launching a new cities break product targeting millennials, from the end of May. “When we say ‘millennials,’ we refer to those born between 1980 and 2000, a younger generation who experienced the developments of new media in its infancy,” says Director of Incoming Tourism & International Relations for the JDA Eli Nahmias. “This segment is what we refer to as a global generation. They are well connected through digital means and seek a different travel experience from their counterparts.” Read more >

From the very North to the most southern point of Israel, visitors have a wide selection of accommodation options, some of which hold particular uniqueness to the country: hotels, boutique hotels, B&Bs, hostels, apartment rentals, camping grounds, cabins, kibbutzim (village settlements) and more. Read more >

A number of trends have recently emerged in the shaping and development of Tel Aviv’s catalogue of tourism Read more >