After a two-year absence from the rankings due to the complex regional situation, the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide has officially brought the Israeli tourism industry back to the global center stage. The guide, widely considered the world’s leading authority on hospitality excellence, awarded six remarkable Israeli hotels the highly coveted “Verified Luxury” title for 2026. This selection is based on rigorous field tests conducted by anonymous inspectors who evaluate over nine hundred objective criteria, representing a significant international vote of confidence in Israel’s hospitality sector. The distinguished hotels honored by Forbes this year include the Ritz-Carlton Herzliya, which serves as Marriott’s first luxury property in Israel, alongside The Norman and The Setai in Tel Aviv, as well as the Waldorf Astoria, the Mamilla Hotel, and the David Citadel in Jerusalem.

In addition to the esteemed Forbes recognition, Israeli accommodations also shined brightly in the Booking.com Traveler Review Awards for 2026. This prestigious annual award celebrates properties worldwide based entirely on verified guest reviews, focusing on crucial parameters such as service level, cleanliness, overall comfort, and the holistic guest experience. Winning this award is a true testament to the high satisfaction of visitors and significantly boosts the global visibility and preference of these outstanding local hotels among international travelers planning their next getaway.

Leading the charts for the Booking.com awards are several standout properties from top Israeli hotel chains, proving that exceptional service can be found all across the country. From the Atlas Hotels collection, the Backstage Hotel and Fabric Hotel, both situated in the vibrant heart of Tel Aviv, achieved an exceptional score of 9.4. Similarly, the chain’s coastal properties, Shalom & Relax and Yam Hotel, each earned an impressive score of 9.2. The Isrotel chain also celebrated remarkable achievements, with the Nevo Hotel at the Dead Sea securing a 9.4 rating, reflecting a steady improvement from the previous year. Joining the ranks with outstanding scores of 9.2 are Isrotel’s iconic Beresheet Hotel overlooking the Ramon Crater, the Ayala Hotel in the northern Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, and the luxurious Royal Beach in Eilat. Adding to the exciting momentum in Israel’s southernmost resort city, the hospitality scene continues to grow, with the Herbert Samuel hotel chain proudly launching its third highly anticipated property in Eilat.