Israel Travel News, an English language professional monthly publication focusing on incoming tourism to Israel.
№ ??? 〉 January 2019 № 440 〉 September 2023
September 2023
May this Rosh Hashanah be a year of joy, peace, and prosperity for you, your loved ones and tourists all around the world. May this be a year of good health, happiness, and success.
ova!
Shana T
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How Israel Emerged As One Of The Top Foodie Destinations In The World
Hainan Airlines Launches Another Route: Tel Aviv-Shenzhen
The George Tel Aviv
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CONTENTS September 2023
ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS
Israel Tourism ITN Interview with Minister of Tourism Haim Katz Eilat Approves Increase in Jordanian Workers for Tourism UNWTO Strengthens Relationship with Israel During Official Visit Israel Pledges 500,000 ILS for Tourism Scholarships Highlights from the Incoming Tour Operators Association Conference A Saudi Travel Company is trying to Entice Tourists Visiting Israel to also Visit Saudi Arabia Canadian Culinary Creators experienced how Israel Emerged as one of the Top Foodie Destinations in the World The Israel Ministry of Tourism appoints lorin maugery as its Consul for tourism affairs to the Southern U.s. Michael Ben-Baruch appointed as Director of Israel’s Uk Ministry of Tourism A New Chairman to the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association After three years: Zedekiah’s Cave is reopened 2,500 moroccan tourists visited Israel in 2022 American tourism to Israel is booming
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Cover Photo: Shutterstock
Aviation Israir Entered the list of The Three Most Active Companies in Israel Israel Entered China’s Recommended List For Group Tourism Hainan Airlines Launches Another Route: Tel Aviv-Shenzhen Israel’s Arkia Officially Launches Essaouira-Tel Aviv Flight Hotels Hundreds of hotel rooms will be added on the north coast in Eilat The George Tel Aviv Leading Diplomats Taste New Israeli Hotel Restaurant Baron-Style Vacation at the
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Founded by: Amos Kinamon (1925-1994) Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Eyal Shmueli Managing Director: Tal Shmueli Editorial: Shy K. Segev Marketing: Rena Shay Graphic Designer: Vicky Mordochovich Worldwide Circulation Canada 800 Europe 4,000 Israel 1,300 United Kingdom 650 United States 9,800 Rest of World 2,700 Total 19,250 Estimated readership 67,000 Digital copies - 40,000 distributed throughout the world
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Edmond Hotel Exhibition
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Israeli Exhibition in Shanghai’s Metro Aims to Woo Chinese Tourism
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September 2023
Urban Boutique Hotels Tel-Aviv | Jerusalem
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Israel Travel News • 3
ISRAEL TOURISM
ITN INTERVIEW WITH MINISTER OF TOURISM HAIM KATZ Haim Katz is the Israeli Minister of Tourism. Previously, Katz was the Minister of Labor, Welfare and Social Services from 2015 to 2019, and served as a member of the Knesset from 2003
W hen do you think the figures for the arrival of tourists to Israel will compare to the good period that was during 2019, right before the COVID-19 virus? The entry data into Israel shows that we are on the right track to breaking records. It seems that already this year we will pass the four million tourists. If we subtract from the data: Russia, Ukraine and China, which opened late after the COVID-19 and only recently to group tourism in Israel, we are at a smaller distance from the record year in 2019. There are markets where there has been a significant increase in tourist arrivals and we are already breaking records in them. The US is our largest and leading market. Since the beginning of the year - approximately 790,000 tourists from the United States have entered, while in the corresponding period in
2019 approximately 670 thousand have entered. We are also growing in India, Brazil, the Philippines, Mexico, and more. To which new destinations does the Ministry of Tourism allocate resources to bring in new tourists? China, Morocco, another country? I marked the Asian market as the generator of the biggest change in the volume of tourism entering Israel. This is at the same time as our activity in the traditional countries, such as the USA, Great Britain, France and Germany. We will consider increasing investment in Brazil, Mexico and the Philippines, in light of the increase in tourist arrivals from the countries. In accordance with my agreement with the Minister of Health and Interior, Moshe Arbel, starting at the end of the year - the
E-visa system will come into operation, for submitting visa applications online, and a pilot will start for those arriving from India, which will facilitate the submission of applications and increase the number of tourists. This is a move that is expected to dramatically increase tourism traffic from India to Israel. Considerable investment will also be in China. In cooperation that I had with the Chinese ambassador to Israel Chai Ron, China recently updated the list of recommended group trips and included Israel in the list. We signed with a local marketing company in China and hosted influencers to visit Israel. At the same time, we started a campaign on social networks that received exposure of hundreds of millions. Over the past two years, dozens of new hotel rooms have begun to be
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September 2023
built, as well as new mergers are being observed on the hotel sector, which will lead to the construction of additional rooms. How many more hotel rooms are needed in Israel to meet the demand? The Ministry of Tourism under my leadership has set a target of seven million tourists in 2030. For this purpose, an addition of approximately 12,000 rooms is required to the existing supply of 58,000 rooms. This year, another 3,941 rooms are expected to be added. In order to speed up the pace of hotel construction, we will advance moves to reduce regulation in hotel construction procedures, among other things by shortening the planning process, examining the implementation of claims for accommodation facilities and mixing uses, alongside writing a national outline plan.
projects. We are tightening the supervision of the infrastructure construction projects that the ministry is carrying out, while collecting matching from authorities that have paid and prevented progress in the projects for years. For the first time this year, we introduced into the TTP procedure, the stipulation that states that an authority that does not know how to carry out a project with clear milestones, and procrastinates in implementing the budget, the budget will be taken from it and transferred to the next in line. We are working to perfect the marketing system while adapting the messages of Israel’s flagship campaign to the target country. We will build a team of ambassadors, and improve the visibility of our campaigns on social networks. There are two moves that are in front of me right now and they are critical to the improvement and development of tourism in Israel: The first, a reform of border control, the treatment that tourists receive when entering and leaving Israel harms our efforts to bring tourists and turn them into ambassadors, the inspection procedure leaves a bad taste and harms the tourist experience. The humiliating attitude, the irrelevant questioning about religious customs - is not acceptable. I am working with the security authorities in order to lead a change in the issue. The second, shortening the construction time of hotels in Israel. Today it takes I want to turn the tourism ministry into a leading and effective economic ministry. Along with improving the employment conditions of the employees, we become surveyors and set milestones for our projects
an average entrepreneur ten years to build a hotel. This harms the viability and attractiveness of the investment, supply and competition. I instructed the professionals to formulate steps and lead a reform on the subject, there is no reason in the world for a hotel to be built in 3-4 years and with us in double time. Most of the Ministry of Tourism’s budget abroad is directed to attract tourists from the United States and the United Kingdom. Will the allocation of the budget change the order of priorities in favor of new or developing countries (for example, new countries with which we have relations in Africa, Dubai, etc.)? The Ministry of Tourism becomes a measure. Starting in October, in-depth marketing research will begin with the aim of learning about existing and new markets so that we direct resources to the countries with the greatest potential. We are still investing in Dubai today. Israelis are flocking to the United Arab Emirates in droves, but tourism entering Israel is in the opposite direction. This is mainly due to a negative prejudice about Israel. The exposure of Israel in the media in Arab countries is mainly in a negative context and for years there was disinformation about us. Tourism is a bridge to peace, and I hope we will be able to see more tourists from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and other countries with which we have strengthened ties in recent years. We will do our best for the issue. The previous minister of tourism created an advertisement starring him in the style of James Bond, which was very successful in the world, and this was to attract tourists. Is the current minister of tourism also going to attract audiences in
Recently, we worked to ease the bureaucracy in the construction of
hotels on the north coast in Eilat, this is a historic move to remove the height limit for construction, which will result in the addition of hundreds of rooms in the city. What are the three main goals of the Ministry of Tourism in the coming term in order to attract tourists from abroad? When I took office, I worked so that the Ministry of Tourism would also be recognized as an economic ministry in the Treasury. I brought about a change in the ranks of the office employees and increased the incentive pay to 15%. I also worked to cancel the VAT section on tourists that was planned in the budget while increasing the ministry’s budget by 650 million ILS from the original planning of the Treasury. I want to turn the tourism ministry into a leading and effective economic ministry. Along with improving the employment conditions of the employees, we become surveyors and set milestones for our
an original and unusual way? You will have to wait and see.
Israel Travel News • 5
ISRAEL TOURISM
September 2023
In 2024, 3,941 hotel rooms will be added, while the Ministry of Tourism’s plan is to accelerate the rate of hotel construction • at the end of 2023, tourists from India will be able to apply for a visa online MINISTER HAIM KATZ PRESENTED THE MINISTRY OF TOURISM GOALS TO THE GOVERNMENT
3,941 hotel room will be added
220,000 will be the number of jobs in the tourism industry
7 million tourists are expected to arrive in 2030
75 billion ILS the expected income for the economy this year, from incoming and domestic tourism
M inister of Tourism Haim Katz and the CEO of his office, Dani Shahar, presented the activities and goals of the Ministry of Tourism to members of the government. The Ministry of Tourism marks a goal of seven million tourists in 2030. The expected income for the economy this year, from incoming tourism and domestic tourism, is estimated at 75 billion ILS. The number of jobs in the tourism industry will be 220,000. Today, the supply of hotel rooms in Israel is about 58,000 rooms, and to achieve the goal of seven million tourists, an addition of about 12,000 guest rooms is required. In 2024, 3,941 rooms will be added. In order to speed up the pace of
hotel construction, the Ministry of Tourism, led by Minister Haim Katz, will promote to reduce regulation in hotel construction procedures,
“seasonal pop-up” program – operating glamping and camping complexes at a price equal to every person in the peak season, and the establishment of a committee to remove barriers to shorten the duration of hotel establishment procedures. Tourism Minister, Haim Katz, is working to remove barriers to entry and exit from the country. In cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior, starting at the end of the year, the E-visa system will come into operation and a pilot will begin for those entering from India, which will make it easier to submit applications and increase the number of tourists. Along with this, the office is working with the Population Authority and
the security authorities, to promote a reform of the border control, which aims to change the investigation procedures at the gates of entry and exit from Israel, which are often done in an offensive manner, leave a bad impression on tourists and harm return tourism. Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: “The Ministry of Tourism is becoming measurable. We will direct resources to markets with tremendous potential that we have not realized so far, with an emphasis on the Asian market. We are committed to appropriate treatment for tourists. I am working with the security authorities in order to bring about a change in the inspection procedure at entry and exit from the country.”
among other things by shortening the planning process, examining the
implementation of claims for accommodation facilities and mixing uses, alongside writing
a national outline plan. These actions join the
steps taken by the ministry in the last year in favor of diversification and increasing the supply, and they are, among other things, lowering the height limit on the construction of hotels on the north coast in Eilat, and hence the addition of hundreds of rooms in the city, promoting the
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ISRAEL TOURISM
UNWTO STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIP WITH
ISRAEL DURING OFFICIAL VISIT
Innovation, tourism for rural development and high-level cooperation were the focus on official visit of the UNWTO Secretary-General to Israel
As a founding Member State, joining in 1975, Israel has played an active role in UNWTO’s work and continues to serve on several important
Senior leaders from the southern city of Eilat and the Jordanian leaders of Aqaba decided to increase the number of work permits for Jordanians working in tourism in Eilat. Eilat and Aqaba, which lay next to each other at the northern part of the Red Sea, both rely heavily upon income from tourism. Many foreign tourists who come to Eilat also enter Jordan in Aqaba to visit southern archaeological sites, such as Petra. The new agreement will allow an additional 1,150 Jordanian workers to cross into Eilat for work in tourism, infrastructure and agriculture. The two delegations discussed other joint initiatives, such as combined tourist packages, water pollution management and the possibility of direct flights between the Eilat and Aqaba airports. Eilat and Aqaba, which lay next to each other at the northern part of the Red Sea, both rely heavily upon income from tourism EILAT APPROVES INCREASE IN JORDANIAN WORKERS FOR TOURISM
Committees and bodies. Following on from the official visit of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, to the UNWTO headquarters in Madrid in July, the UNWTO Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili led a delegation to Israel for a series of high- level discussions around shared priorities. In Jerusalem, Secretary-General Pololikashvili held a bilateral meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel Eli Cohen. Mr Pololikashvili commended Israel’s active role in tourism governance and its commitment to several UNWTO priorities for the sector. Also in Jerusalem, Secretary-General Pololikashvili and the UNWTO delegation received a warm welcome at the Ministry of Tourism, to discuss the deepening of cooperation between UNWTO and Israel. Discussions focused on shared priorities for tourism both in the country and across the wider region, most notably education, innovations, sustainability, data collection, accessibility, legal instruments. To conclude the official visit, the UNWTO delegation visited Kfar Kama, named as one of the Best Tourism Villages by UNWTO in 2022. The village was given the award in recognition of its commitment to harnessing the power of tourism to preserve and celebrate its unique local culture. The Israeli village of Neot Semadar was also selected to be part of the Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme.
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September 2023
ISRAEL PLEDGES 500,000 ILS FOR TOURISM SCHOLARSHIPS T he Tourism Ministry recently unveiled its plans to provide scholarships totaling 440,000 experience”. He further called on eligible students to seize this opportunity, asserting, “We are introducing these scholarships to bolster the upcoming generation of the Israeli tourism industry”. Set to benefit students starting their courses in October 2023, the initiative promises an equitable distribution of the scholarship funds
they highlighted their commitment to this cause: “In previous years, we have provided scholarships for students at esteemed institutions such as Kinneret Academic College and Ben Gurion University of the Negev”. They explained that the Ministry remains resolute in its mission to elevate the tourism sector, particularly in light of the reduced student enrollment caused by the COVID pandemic.
ILS for students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or teaching certificates in tourism studies at accredited higher education institutions. Tourism Minister Haim Katz stressed the significance of this initiative, saying, “the tourism sector requires top-tier professionals who prioritize the tourist
Set to benefit students starting their courses in October 2023, the initiative promises an equitable distribution of the scholarship funds. Individual awards will not surpass 11,000 ILS. In a statement by the Tourism Ministry,
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ISRAEL TOURISM HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INCOMING TOUR OPERATORS
ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE
A very impressive presence of the members of the association was noted at the yearly conference, with senior officials of the industry and the government, senior management of the state institutions and business partners who attended, positions the conference and the association at the heart of the tourism industry of the State of Israel. The fact that all the partners involved in inbound tourism to Israel came to the conference is particularly impressive,
gratifying and encouraging, starting with Tourism Minister Haim Katz and the office’s CEO Dani Shahar and the office’s staff, the CEO of the Immigration and Population Authority Eyal Sisso, the president of the hotel association Eli Cohen and CEO Yael Danieli and the association’s team, Nature and Parks Authority CEO Raya Shurki and the authority’s management team, the chairman of the Road Guides Association Ganit Peleg, the chairman of the car rental
companies organization Muni Bar, director of the passenger service division Shmuel Amsalem and the staff of the Authority, hoteliers, media personnel and more. Minister of Tourism Haim Katz stated that he positively examines the implementation of the regulation recognizing the organizers of tourism entering Israel. The minister is attentive to the claims made by the bureau regarding the intention to transform the marketing fund into a different retirement fund,
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September 2023
Israel minister of tourism: “Members of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel are the “Bread and Butter” of the Tourism Industry”
and the incoming president of the Hotel Association Eli Cohen promised that we will work together, including the Ministry of Tourism to find solutions to the shared hardships. The Nature and Parks Authority is a senior partner in the management of the tourism experience and CEO Raya Shurki said that she will mobilize as much as is necessary to develop the tourism movement in the periphery together with the members of the bureau. The three main messages that emerged from the conference: Defining the customer experience and operative reference to their range of emotions along the tour route - creating moments of activity, actions or gestures that the tourists did not expect. The
tourists expect to experience moments that will be etched in their memory and allow them to tell a story. Technology knows all the weak points and hidden entrances into the world of our feelings and opinions. Therefore, there is no single truth, there is an autonomy of truth that exists in different groups and societies according to interests. Artificial intelligence is going to change the world. This is not “another development” but a dramatic development that cannot be ignored and cannot be implemented in business. The association intends to offer practical courses on the topics of artificial intelligence applications and building arrays for managing the customer experience.
without examining the possible negative consequences. Regarding the cooperation with the Immigration and Population Authority, the CEO of the Authority Eyal Sisso said that cooperation and joint work is a rule in his work with the tourism industry. His statement has already translated into a change in attitude and openness that we experience in working relationships with the Authority. The hotels are a central pillar of our work
Israel Travel News • 11
ISRAEL TOURISM
September 2023
A SAUDI TRAVEL COMPANY IS TRYING TO ENTICE TOURISTS VISITING ISRAEL TO ALSO VISIT SAUDI ARABIA
A Saudi travel company, called Golden Galactica, has begun enticing marketing and travel agencies bringing tourist to Israel, usually coming from countries in North America, Europe and the Far East, to add Saudi Arabia to their visit, as part of tourism packages to destinations that appear in the Bible. The Head of Operations of Arabia, as part of biblical road tours The Saudi Golden Galactica company is about to offer tours to Saudi
the company that markets the project, Mohamed Badr, recently visited Israel to get to know the main tourist attractions in Israel related to major events in the Bible, and based on this he built a tourist itinerary for foreign visitors, and found out that tourist could continue their tour by flying to and then to Saudi Arabia via neighbor countries. The Golden Galactica company defines the tour as “We Take You to a Journey You’ve Never Imagined”, and includes a number of sites in Saudi Arabia, for example the mountain of Jabal al- Lawaz, where it is estimated that the biblical Mount Sinai is located. Historians and
biblical scholars are trying to decipher where the biblical Mount Sinai is, the place where Moses received the Ten Commandments from God. Quite a few suggestions have come up, such as Mount Kharkum in the Negev in Israel, or Jabal Musa in the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. Another hypothesis, which has already come up in the past and was rejected by many experts, claimed that the Israelites crossed Sinai and the Red Sea and continued from there to Jabal al-Lawaz, which is in the northwest Saudi Arabia, near the Jordanian border. Jabal al-Lawz was previously proposed as a candidate to be
the biblical Mount Sinai, but this claim was criticized by other historians, who pointed out that any identification of Mount Sinai in ancient (Saudi Arabia) does not correspond at all to what is written in the Bible. Now, new findings show that the theory must be re-examined - because there is a situation where it is precisely the correct one. Golden Galactica is one of the leading Travel & Tourism Enterprises in Saudi Arabia with 40 years of consistency and experience in the provision of both value and quality added services, with offices in Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Russia.
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ISRAEL TOURISM
A diverse group of Canadian top chefs, culinary creators, restaurateurs, cookbook authors, photographers/ videographers, and foodie influencers explored the well-established and internationally-renowned culinary scene of Israel while enjoying its sights, sounds, and, most of all, tastes
CANADIAN CULINARY CREATORS EXPERIENCED HOW ISRAEL EMERGED AS ONE OF THE TOP FOODIE DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD
C anadians discovered from a wide range of influences in Israel. These include, most significantly the absorption of immigrants from around the world, especially Jews both pre- and post-World War II, and those with centuries-old connections to the land, as well as Christians, and the local indigenous population of Israeli Arabs. how an exciting, unique Israeli cuisine developed The travellers enjoyed an itinerary overflowing with delicious highlights. Among them: • Tastings at award-winning
curated from Israel’s 300+ wineries; • Hands-on workshops with local Israeli chefs and culinary influencers, and other growers and food producers including “spice- ologists”; • Visiting popular restaurants throughout Israel, including Haifa’s LUXE, where the Canadians will connect with local foodie influencers; • Meeting with growers at ecological/sustainable farms, such as Makura Olive Pressers where orchards and vineyards abound with olives, lychees, a wide range of citrus fruits, and avocadoes;
• Participating in cooking workshops with Druze chefs in villages of the Western Galilee • In vibrant Tel Aviv, beach time compete with tasting tours of the famed Levinsky and Carmel Markets, led by local experts with many stories to share; partaking in a vegan culinary workshop with innovative Chef Harel Zakim at Zakaim; and hands-on learning about Israel’s creative food culture at Asif Culinary Institute, a non-profit organization and culinary centre; • Enjoying Sabbath dinner in the home of one of Israel’s top chefs, Nir
Zook – recognized for both his dynamic television presence and innovations as a leading restauranteur. • In ancient Jerusalem, the group visit the iconic open- air market, Machane Yehuda to meet its vendors and taste their wares; watch the world-famous kitchen of Machneyuda Restaurant in action; experience Café Shalva staffed by persons with developmental and physical disabilities; and enjoy tastings at local award-winning winery in the Judean Hills; • Floating and relaxing in the Dead Sea, a must following a week that is full-sensory and fully-immersive.
wineries in the Zichron Yaakov region, carefully
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September 2023
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ISRAEL TOURISM
September 2023
MICHAEL BEN-BARUCH APPOINTED AS DIRECTOR OF ISRAEL’S UK MINISTRY OF TOURISM Michael, a current member of the Israel Tourism office, now makes the move to the London office
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism Also Welcomes Three New Key Staff to its Leadership Team AS ITS CONSUL FOR TOURISM AFFAIRS TO THE SOUTHERN U.S. THE ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM APPOINTS LORIN MAUGERY
The Israel Government Tourism Office (IGTO) is pleased to announce that Michael Ben- Baruch has been appointed the new Director of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism in London. Hailing from the south of Israel, he brings a wealth of experience across a range of industries and will oversee all activity at the UK and Ireland Tourism Office.
Maugery has spent nearly a decade with Israel’s Ministry of Tourism
relationships with outside developers and hotel brands helping to guide their projects to fruition. In his new role, Maugery has
working with the organization’s Foreign Investor Relations Office to bring international investments to Israel’s hospitality industry. During his tenure, the former lawyer also forged
already initiated and implemented the Israel Hotel Investment Summit (IHIS), an international conference addressing hotel investment opportunities in Israel.
A NEW CHAIRMAN TO THE ISRAEL INCOMING TOUR OPERATORS ASSOCIATION
Lior Gelfand – CEO of Ortra, was appointed chairman of the Incoming Tour Operators Association. The election was held at the beginning of September by senior officials of Israel’s tourism industry.
Lior Gelfand - CEO of Artra
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ISRAEL TOURISM
A pproximately 2,500 Moroccan tourists visited Israel in 2022, data from Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics cited in a report indicate. Following the signing of the US-brokered Abraham Accords in 2022, the influx of tourists between the two countries has been on the rise. According to the report from the Abraham Accords Institute for Peace, since the normalization of ties between Morocco and Israel, the influx of Israeli tourism to Morocco The influx of Israeli tourism to Morocco has also increased substantially, going from almost 40,000 tourists in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2022 2,500 MOROCCAN TOURISTS VISITED ISRAEL IN 2022
The Zedekiah Cave in Jerusalem opened its doors to the public after renovation and upgrading of infrastructure and content AFTER THREE YEARS: ZEDEKIAH’S CAVE IS REOPENED
T he Cave of Zedekiah, located below the Old City of Jerusalem, is a captivating archaeological site with a rich history. The cave, which was closed for three years for renovations and upgrades, reopened its doors on August 1, 2023. The renovation work was funded by the Ministry of Jerusalem and Israel Tradition and carried out by the East Jerusalem Development Company. The mysterious cave of Jerusalem now offers the “Secrets under the Walls” vision, which accompanies travelers throughout the tour. The vision is projected at various stations along the route and on the dark walls of the cave. The vision tells
the story of a city and a people, to the Mesopotamian world of the First Temple period, the legends and myths of the Second Temple period. In the depths of the cave you can also see the mythological cherub from the Ark of the Covenant, the legendary “dill worm” with the help of which the stones of Solomon’s temple were carved, the spring that flows from its depths, and also members of a secret order who believe that from here the first “headstone” in history was carved. Sunday to Thursday between 9:00 and 17:00, on Friday the site is closed, on Saturday a normal tour without a vision will be possible.
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September 2023
has increased substantially, going from nearly 40,000 tourists in 2019 to over 70,000 in 2022. The increase in demand for flights led to the creation of numerous regularly scheduled direct flights between Israel and Morocco, especially in 2022. In March, Morocco’s national carrier Royal Air Maroc (RAM) launched its first direct flight to Israel, becoming the first airline to offer flights between Casablanca and Tel Aviv. In addition, Royal Air Maroc and Israel’s El Al Airlines announced a Code Share Agreement. Also in March 2022, Morocco’s tourism authority sealed an agreement with Israeli private airline Israir to promote Morocco as an Israeli tourist destination and to enable Israir to launch two weekly flights from Tel Aviv to Marrakech. The Moroccan Agency for Tourism Development has equally taken strides to strengthen tourism activities between the two countries with the hosting of a virtual Morocco-Israel Tourism Investment Summit in collaboration with the Moroccan and Israeli ministries of tourism. The report noted that given Morocco’s profile as an international tourism destination, the country has the potential to attract even more Israeli tourists. However, outbound travel to Israel is still at “a nascent stage,” due mainly to the rising cost of traveling to Israel.
New statistics showing the first six months of 2023 at 12% higher than the same time in 2019 AMERICAN TOURISM TO ISRAEL IS BOOMING
A ccording to Israel’s
Israel offers a plethora of historical and religious sites, beach resorts, natural sites, archaeological tourism, heritage tourism, adventure tourism, and ecotourism. The Commissioner said Israel was currently “heavily investing in tourism,” seeking to expand the country’s number of hotel rooms and resorts. He also mentioned “new food, wine and spirits destinations add to the overall excitement along with our many outdoor adventure opportunities as well as arts and culture experiences”. He also pointed out that while many tourists first come for the holy and ancient sites, others return to experience less well- known sites.
Commissioner of Tourism to North America, the Jewish
state is expecting 2023 to be a banner year for its Travel and Tourism sector, as “people are traveling in droves” after the reopening of the borders, that were sealed for over two years during the global COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli tourism official described new statistics showing the first six months of 2023 at 12% higher than the same time in 2019 as “extremely encouraging” and noted that during the final full year before the pandemic “was our best” so far. Tourism is one of Israel’s major sources of income, with a record 4.55 million tourist arrivals in 2019.
Israel Travel News • 19
AVIATION
September 2023
ISRAEL ENTERED CHINA’S RECOMMENDED LIST FOR GROUP TOURISM
ISRAIR ENTERED THE LIST OF THE
THREE MOST ACTIVE COMPANIES IN ISRAEL Israir is expected to receive two Airbus A320 aircraft into its fleet that will help the company to expand
I srael Entered China’s the activities of Tourism Minister Haim Katz and Chinese Ambassador to Israel Tsai Ron. According to the Ministry of Tourism data, over 60% of Chinese traffic to Israel in 2019, Recommended List for Group Tourism following estimated at 150 thousand arrivals, was in groups. Now, with the removal of the central barrier, the ministry is preparing to expand marketing operations and improve the experience of the Chinese tourist in Israel. Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: “I welcome the decision and thank the Chinese ambassador to Israel Tsai Ron, for his cooperation and efforts to add Israel as a recommended country for group tours. The Chinese announcement will dramatically increase the volume of incoming tourism from China. The Asian market has enormous potential, we will continue to work to bring it to realization”. In recent months, Tourism Minister Haim Katz, in Minister of Tourism Haim Katz: Chinese government will increase group trips, and the number of direct flights
T he report of the in the month of July, Israir flew 135,625 passengers, which constituted 5.32% of all passengers in the National Aviation Agency. As a result of the aforementioned figure, National Aviation Agency shows that Israir was ranked third in terms of the scope of operations in Israel, compared to the fifth place it was ranked in June. Israir’s figure represents an increase of about 28.25% compared to the company’s figure from July of last year, when the company flew 105,749 passengers. Israir is expected to receive two Airbus A320 aircraft into its fleet that will help the company to expand the offer of seats on flights to various destinations. Including the two new planes expected to be received in 2024, Israir will
operate 11 planes. In doing so, Israir overtook Turkish Airlines (135,348 passengers) and Ryanair (130,024), which entered the fourth and fifth places. As in previous months, the top of the table of the most active company in the airport was occupied by El Al with 578,726 passengers and a 22.73% market share, followed by Wizz Air with 235,250 passengers and 9.24% of the activity in the airport. Turkey continues to maintain its position as the country with the most passengers – 335,781 passengers and 13.19% of all traffic, followed by Greece with a record number of 281,719 passengers and 11.06% of the activity in the field. After them came the USA with 211,160 passengers and 8.29% of the activity in the field.
cooperation with the Chinese Ambassador to Israel, Tsai Ron, has been working to deepen tourism ties between the countries, while including Israel in the list of countries approved by the Chinese government for group trips, and increasing the number of direct flights. Ambassador Ron recently informed Minister of Tourism Katz about the increase in the number of flights and that China will take part in the 2024 International Tourism Fair held in Israel (IMTM). The Ministry of Tourism expects an increase in tourism from China following the timing of the opening of the Chinese market for groups to Israel, at the same time as the opening of the direct line from Shenzhen. This line is added to 2 existing lines from other big cities in China: from Beijing, and from Shanghai, and their number will be 6 flights a week from China to Israel.
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AVIATION
September 2023
HAINAN AIRLINES LAUNCHES ANOTHER ROUTE: TEL AVIV-SHENZHEN
The Chinese are back in with three direct lines to three different destinations in China and dozens of onward destinations in Asia and the giant country
T he Chinese airline Hainan Airlines announces that it will resume operating its direct flights to Shenzhen. The flights will be operated twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays starting from September 15 on state-of-the-art Boeing 787 aircraft. The flight path is
the short southern route over Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company, the fourth largest in China, entered Israel by storm in 2016 but completely suspended its activities in the country in February 2020 after the outbreak of the global corona crisis. Now, with the return
of the line to Shenzhen, alongside the direct lines that Hainan already operates between Tel Aviv and Beijing and Shanghai, the Chinese are back in a big way with three direct lines to three different destinations in China and dozens of onward destinations in Asia and the
giant country. The line to Beijing is operated twice a week on Sundays and Wednesdays, and the line to Shanghai on Tuesdays and Thursdays. With the addition of the flights to Shenzhen, the company increases the frequency of its flights to China to 6 weekly flights.
ISRAEL’S ARKIA OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES ESSAOUIRA-TEL AVIV FLIGHT The second largest carrier in Israel, Arkia is committed to set up 11,000 seats through a direct flight
A launch of a new direct air route between Tel Aviv’s David Ben Gurion and Essaouira by the Israeli company Arkia. The flight, which is part of a memorandum of understanding between the Moroccan National Tourist Office (ONMT) and the Israeli carrier on July 18, will operate once a week. The head of Morocco’s liaison
office in Israel, Abderrahim Bayoudh as well as the mayor of the city and officials from David Ben Gurion airport. The second largest airline in Israel, Arkia has emphasized its determination to set up a direct flight connecting Morocco and the Jewish state through 11,000 seats. The flight inauguration is also part of ONMT’s efforts seeking
to boost Morocco’s tourism industry. Israel has been also seeking to boost the tourism industry, by encouraging more tourists – particularly from Morocco to visit Tel Aviv. The number of Israeli tourists visiting Morocco increased from around 15,600 in the first half of 2019 to over 38,000 over the same period in 2023, the Israeli news outlet i24
News reported earlier this week quoting data compiled by the Moroccan Tourism Observatory. The number represents an increase of 146% compared to 2019. It also signifies a 96% increase in arrivals in June compared to the same period in 2019. Over 5,600 Israeli tourists visited Morocco in June, the statistics added.
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HOTELS
September 2023
HUNDREDS OF HOTEL ROOMS WILL BE ADDED ON THE NORTH COAST IN EILAT
Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz: “The move will encourage competition, remove excess bureaucracy for a hotel that wants to renew itself”
T he sub-committee for principled planning issues recommended to the National Council for Planning and Construction to approve as a precedent the removal of the height restriction for the construction of hotels on the north coast in Eilat. The meaning of the recommendation is that it will be possible to build up to twenty stories high instead of eight. Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz: “We are bringing huge news to Eilat. Hundreds and even thousands of rooms will be added to the city. The move will encourage competition, remove excess bureaucracy for a hotel that wants to renew itself, and allow entrepreneurs who have not yet built to increase their
supply. I will work to continue removing barriers, in favor of increasing the pace of hotel construction in Israel”. The National Council for Planning and Construction will approve the request of the Ministry of Tourism submitted under the guidance of Minister Haim Katz, in order to implement his policy to add sleeping rooms and shorten bureaucracy in hotel construction. As part of the decision that was made, TMA 13 will be amended and will now allow the construction of hotels near the water line to a height of 45 and 60 meters, reflecting a range ranging from 12-20 floors, instead of a limit of only eight floors.
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THE GEORGE TEL AVIV
New Members Club, Four Culinary Experiences, Event Space, Work Spaces, Pool, Spa, Gym, Entertainment Complexes, and More to Open in the Heart of Tel Aviv This October 2023
S et to open in October 2023, The George is poised to become an exciting lifestyle destination in the heart of the vibrant city of Tel Aviv. Located just minutes away from the renowned Rothschild Avenue, this development promises to delight both locals and temporary residents alike with its 170 rooms, including 40 suites designed for extended stays. The hotel boasts an impressive 14 thousand square meters of space. The George introduces four unique dining experiences, all led by the renowned chef Barak Aharoni. Among them, the Pardes restaurant stands out for serving traditional dishes with a contemporary twist. On the hotel’s
entrance floor, Ofaimme farm café and shop will delight guests by delivering the finest local produce directly from the field, orchard, barn, and coop into the heart of Tel Aviv. Meanwhile, the Loft area will serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner, complemented by a menu of premium cocktails, an extensive wine selection, and a nutritious and healthy menu served at the Deck Bar next to the pool. As the inaugural property of Elco Hospitality, a leading lifestyle company based in Tel Aviv and a subsidiary of Elco—one of Israel’s leading public holding companies—The George is managed by Michael Chai, the managing partner of Elco Hospitality. Chai, with a wealth of experience in building and
managing unique boutique hotels in Israel and around the world, initiated the establishment of this groundbreaking project. The hotel’s design, conceptualized by the leading local architect firm MYS and executed by the globally acclaimed studio of designer Lazaro Rosa Violan, promises to make the opening of The George a pivotal moment for Tel Aviv, offering the ultimate wonderland for residents and visitors alike. Embodying the new SevenEx hospitality approach developed by Elco Hospitality, The George emphasizes seven urban experiences that focus on the needs of both locals and temporary residents: Live, Work, Meet, Celebrate, Dine, Stay, and Relax. This comprehensive
26 • www.itn.co.il
September 2023 March 2020
hundreds of diverse works by Israeli artists, including unique installations created exclusively for The George. In its quest to seamlessly integrate experience and hospitality, The George offers a collection of spaces that allow guests to live, work, meet, celebrate, dine, stay, and relax, creating a holistic microcosm of urban life—an unparalleled experience in Tel Aviv. The hotel boasts open work areas and a blend of leisure and relaxation zones, all centered around an inspiring one-of-a-kind members’ club Designed to foster connections between locals and temporary residents, The George’s members’ club prioritizes guest experiences above all else. Embracing the growing trend of members clubs within hotels, it promises to become one
of Tel Aviv’s most exclusive destinations. The club will offer a vibrant environment where individuals can seamlessly network, access a myriad of experiences, enjoy live music and shows, and avail Nissenbaum said he doesn’t believe Israel’s efforts to create a star graded system for Israel’s hotels will work. “The only thing people look at today is what the travel agents and social media are saying.” themselves of exclusive amenities. The George is well-suited for social gatherings and business events of various sizes, with meeting rooms, workspaces, “We have enough Anglo-Saxon tourists, we need to spend money on really good people who are out there, talking about Israel. There are a lot of people who are scared to come.” “My worry is that someone who is not as connected to the prime minister will enter the office and they won’t be given the budget and it will be worse than it is now,” he said. “Ninety percent of the focus is right. I wish Levin would stay.” a wellness floor featuring a spa and treatment rooms, dry and wet saunas, a pool, and a fully equipped gym with professional training sessions by Boost studio, in addition to spaces for business or private events. The highly anticipated opening of The George is scheduled for October 2023, promising a transformational experience for Tel Aviv’s residents and visitors alike. Every hotel in Israel must somehow set itself apart from the others. According to Nissenbaum, “each hotel has its niche and each tries to expand beyond that niche. Everyone thinks they are the best; that is not always true. We do have that reputation out there. We are the market leader in Jerusalem, Eilat and Haifa and we are considered the luxury player.” “In our hotels, you will experience local Israeli flavor at the highest level,” he said. “For Israel, this is the best service that you are going to get.”
experience sets The George apart as the first property in the city to manifest and capture the essence of urban living Art enthusiasts will be captivated by The George’s unique Israeli art collection, meticulously curated in collaboration with the Gordon Gallery. The collection features housekeeping. Being in the service industry in Israel, getting good staff to wait, to cook, to clean, to staff reception, is not easy. The pressure on the hotels is to constantly increase wages. It is not only the salary alone, but also the costs around that. We have five thousand employees. We have five thousand families relying on us. That is a lot of weight on our shoulders. I worry about that. I worry about the manpower. I worry about development because we are at the height of craziness now. It is a seller’s market and people are asking ridiculous prices.” Hotels in Israel must also deal with a multitude of regulations set forth by the government and this can often become a major headache. While the government has been working to some extent to minimize red tape, there is still a long way to go. “Minister of Tourism Yariv Levin has been very good for the business,” Nissenbaum said. “I think he made some really wise decisions with Israel’s resources and marketed Israel in the right way. Can more be done? Absolutely. The PR we have outside is not where it needs to be.”
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