ITN - ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS ONLINE - January 2025

Israel Travel News, an English language professional publication focusing on incoming tourism to Israel.

№ ??? 〉 January 2019 445 January 2025

January 2025

Since the Beginning of 2025: Tourists are Heading to Israel

12 Airlines Flying to Israel Update: Current Status

04 Call to the Foreign Ministry: ״ Act to remove travel warnings to Israel ״

18 Meet the Olive Tree Hotel Royal Plaza in Jerusalem

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CONTENTS January 2025

ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS

Israel Tourism Call to the Foreign Ministry: ״ Act to remove travel warnings to Israel ״ An Initiative to Bring Inbound Tourism to the Gaza Envelope Israel’s Tourism Ministry to Invest 230 million ILS Israel Promotes Wine Tourism A Surprising Number of Tourists will Arrive in Israel in 2025 Aviation Airlines Flying to Israel Update: Current Status New Israeli Airline Hopes to Launch Tel Aviv-New York Route on January 21 Hotels After A Decade: Nof Hotel Returns to Management of the Hai Family Representatives of the Setai Tel Aviv Hotel Participated in the ILTM Fair in Cannes

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Photo: Shutterstock

Another New Hotel in Eilat: Roxon Red Sea Despite the war, Israel promotes almost 30 new hotel projects Meet the Olive Tree Hotel Royal Plaza in Jerusalem The Ramada and Royal Jerusalem Hotels - A New Look Appointed Dan Hotels Announces New Appointments Within the Chain

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Founded by: Amos Kinamon (1925-1994) Publisher & Editor-in-Chief: Eyal Shmueli Managing Director: Tal Shmueli

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ISRAEL TOURISM

January 2025

CALL TO THE FOREIGN MINISTRY: “ACT TO REMOVE TRAVEL WARNINGS TO ISRAEL” The Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel wrote to the Foreign Ministry requesting that a task force be established to address the travel warnings: “A major obstacle facing many target audiences who express interest in visiting Israel, action must be taken with governments in Europe and the US government”

T he state of Israel would not allow free movement for its citizens if it were not completely sure of their safety, and the same applies to visitors from abroad”. Thus, among other things, writes Yossi Fatael, Director General of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel, in a special letter he sent to the Foreign Ministry. In the letter, he calls for the establishment of a special task force to handle travel warnings to Israel. The director general of the association in Israel writes to act with governments in Europe and the United States. The letter focuses on the

need to remove or mitigate the existing travel warnings, which are hindering the resumption of tourism to Israel, and in particular the return of foreign airlines to regular operations. The appeal emphasizes the importance of the move to restore Israeli tourism and the economy, along with strengthening Israel’s position and image in the world, through the tourists who will return to Israel with the lowering of the level of travel warnings. The Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel notes in its appeal that “these travel warnings constitute a major barrier to many

target audiences who express interest in visiting Israel. In addition to creating a false impression about the security situation in Israel, they directly affect the ability of tourists to plan their trip in a practical way. Among other things, the existing warnings prevent many from purchasing essential travel insurance policies, which adds to the challenges facing potential tourists”. It was further stated that “this situation not only harms tourist traffic but also hinders the economic recovery capacity of the periphery, where tourist traffic constitutes an important economic weight.

Renewing tourist traffic to Israel is critical not only for the local economy but also for the country’s international image. Tourists who visit Israel will not only contribute to economic growth, but will also become natural ambassadors for the country”.

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January 2025

Photo: Noam Chen

State of Israel would not allow free movement for its citizens if it were not completely sure of their safety, and the same applies to visitors from abroad In addition, the Association’s management raised the issue of Israel’s isolation in the aviation arena: “This situation not only harms the tourism

Photo: Itamar Grinberg

As part of the activities of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel, another letter was sent from the bureau to Jewish organizations in the United States, asking them to assist in resuming American airline flights to Israel.

Yossi Fatael, Director General of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel: “Colleagues abroad have contacted us and asked us to work with the government to address the issue quickly and in a focused manner, instead of waiting for the situation to change

on its own. It is important that the Foreign Ministry emphasizes to its foreign counterparts that the Israeli government and the relevant security agencies have lifted all restrictions on movement throughout the country, including in areas near the borders”.

industry, but also affects Israel’s ability to maintain economic and diplomatic relations with the world”.

Israel Travel News • 5

ISRAEL TOURISM

January 2025

AN INITIATIVE TO BRING INBOUND TOURISM TO THE GAZA ENVELOPE

of key points in the region, with the aim of getting to know them and incorporating them into future plans for tourists. Lior Gelfand, Chairman of the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel: “The Gaza envelope is a symbol of the strength and resilience of Israeli society. This tour is the beginning of a process that will not only lead to the restoration of the local economy, but also to show the world the beautiful and courageous face of Israel and the message we want to convey to the world – of resilience, revival and connection between

The Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel is working to incorporate the Western Negev into the operators’ tours with the aim of restoring the local economy and Israel’s image in the world

communities through inbound tourism. We

recognize a growing interest from our colleagues around the world to include visits to the Gaza envelope as part of their trips to Israel, and to gain a first-hand impression of the reality in the region, including meetings with people who were there during the events of October 7. The Association is working to create experiential tours that will provide tourists from around the world with an authentic connection to the Gaza envelope and the people living there, while conveying messages about Israel’s resilience and its dealing with the challenges of reality, especially in the face of waves of slander in the international arena”.

F or the first time since the events of October 7, the Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel is embarking on a unique initiative aimed at exposing the Gaza envelope to tourist groups who are expected to visit Israel while restoring and strengthening local businesses. The Incoming Tour Operators Association in Israel has initiated a special tour for inbound tourism organizers. The tour will take place today, December 23rd – as part of the tour, participants were exposed to the stories of the region’s revival, alongside tourist sites and

innovative initiatives that were born out of the crisis. The Gaza envelope, once a symbol of Zionism, agriculture, and the pursuit of peace, was severely damaged by the events of October 7, 2023. Alongside the challenges and bereavement, new initiatives have emerged in the region that tell the moving story of the residents and their revival. With growing interest among audiences around the world, inbound tourism is seen as a significant tool for restoring the local economy and strengthening the region’s image in the international arena.

As part of the initiative, professional tours in small groups are planned for inbound tourism organizers. The tours will reveal a variety of sites and local businesses in the Gaza envelope, enable direct dialogue with tourists from the region, and help present the region as a major destination for inbound tourism to Israel. In addition, mentoring groups will be established to connect local tourists with tourism organizers, with the aim of upgrading the visit experience and adapting it to international audiences. During the tour held today, participants visited a variety

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January 2025

Israel Travel News • 7

ISRAEL TOURISM

January 2025

ISRAEL’S TOURISM MINISTRY TO INVEST 230 MILLION ILS

The Tourism Ministry will provide funding for various projects including heritage centers, parks, biking trails and more I srael’s Tourism Ministry will invest 230 million ILS to fund 55 tourism projects, the ministry announced recently. Tourism Minister Haim Katz, the Tourism Ministry has said that “Alongside the responsibility we took upon ourselves to address the needs of 130,000 evacuees, we have continued to plan for the ‘day after’ while establishing and upgrading infrastructure to improve the visitor and tourist

experience”. The Tourism Ministry will provide funding for various projects, including heritage centers, parks, biking trails and more. Additionally, the ministry said it would invest approximately 22 million ILS in tourism projects in the West Bank, including various construction and development projects in Gush Etzion, Beit El, and Mount Hebron. “We have distributed the investment across the country”, said Director- General of the Tourism Ministry Dani Shahar, “The ministry evaluated the

product”. The Tourism Ministry said it had recently received about 98 applications from local authorities for funding proposals for new projects. In past months, the ministry reviewed 119 applications, representing a total requested investment of approximately 1.6 billion ILS. Economic Counsellor and Head of the Israel Economic Mission to the Philippines, Ofek Venecianer, expressed her gratitude to the winery representatives who traveled from Israel: “Tonight, we celebrated not only the craftsmanship of Israeli wines but also the passion, heritage, and innovation that make them exceptional”. Renowned Israeli wine expert and international wine judge, Haim Gan, provided insights into Israel’s innovative wine industry, noting its growing recognition and numerous international awards. Representatives from leading Israeli wineries, including Nir Kuttner of Teperberg, Eddy Gandler of Bin Nun Winery, and Shani Zetuni of Amphorae Winery and Lotem Organic Winery presented their finest selections.

projects based on criteria such as their potential to attract visitors from Israel and overseas, proximity to existing or planned accommodations, alignment with ministry and government policies, the local authority’s ability to maintain the project, maintenance complexity, and diversification or enhancement of the tourism Katz shared. He also emphasized Israel’s appeal as a unique tourist destination, particularly for Christian travelers. Ambassador Ilan Fluss highlighted the significance of the event in fostering connections: “My vision has always been to build bridges of innovation and technology between Israel and the Philippines. Bringing an evening like this to Manila has been a dream come true. L’Chaim is more than just a toast — it’s a celebration of life, friendship, and the bright future we are building together”. Ambassador Fluss also shared that Israeli wine has flourished into a thriving industry from ancient vineyards of biblical times to a modern-day renaissance, earning global recognition for its quality and innovation.

Israel Promotes Wine Tourism

Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz emphasized Israel’s appeal as a unique tourist destination, particularly for Christian travelers I srael presented its finest wine collections at its first ever wine event “L’Chaim, Discover Israeli Wine” held on December 4. The Embassy of Israel in the Philippines, Israel Ministry of Tourism, and Israel Ministry of Economy and Industry joined forces to showcase Israel as a

premier destination for wine enthusiasts and to engage Filipino wine distributors in exploring Israeli wines. The Israeli wine event was made even more meaningful with the presence of Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz: “In the Jewish culture, wine signifies much more than just a drink, it symbolizes acquaintance, friendship, brotherhood, and the opening of new ways for connections between people”, Minister

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ISRAEL TOURISM

January 2025

in 2023 – according to the ministry’s survey data. The Iron Sword War did hurt incoming tourism this year, but about a million tourists A Surprising Number of Tourists will Arrive in Israel in 2025 demand from another Asian Muslim country – Malaysia, with both countries’ demand stemming from about 9% of their Christian population. The number of tourists arriving from Indonesia in 2023, for example, was about 24.3 thousand, and from

still decided to conclude a visit here, and most of them belong to the same target groups on which the ministry is building the recovery of Israeli tourism. The Ministry of Tourism, however, is aiming to increase tourism from the other side of the world – Asia, in light of the increasing demand from the continent to visit Israel. The leading country in the number of tourists to Israel is the Philippines, which ranks fifth in the number of foreign nationals who visited Israel in 2024. Those most eager to enter Israel first, however, come from another Asian country – Indonesia, which is the largest Muslim country in the world, with 227 million inhabitants. Alongside it, there is high

Malaysia about 5.1 thousand that year – according to data from the Ministry of Tourism. These tourists, like tourists from the Philippines, also arrived in Israel during the war and strengthened the local economy. Thus, out of about 824,300 tourists who entered Israel by the end of October this year, about 40 thousand came from the Philippines, about 10.5 thousand came from Indonesia and about 800 from Malaysia. And it is expected that the flow of pilgrim tourists from these countries will only increase.

The war did hurt tourism, but now with the ceasefire in the north, it seems that demand to visit the country is increasing - and according to the Ministry of Tourism, it is estimated that in 2025, about 3

million tourists will visit the country W hile Israelis are eager to go on vacation outside the country’s borders, about 3 million foreign tourists are eager to enter Israel – according to the Ministry of Tourism’s forecasts for 2025.

total expenditure per tourist, as reported in the ministry’s survey for 2023, which then stood at 1,653 USD. Two of the ministry’s focus groups for boosting tourism to Israel in the coming year are Jews and pilgrims, with the latter (both groups and individuals) accounting for about a third (32.7%) of the total of about 2.8 million tourists who arrived in Israel

The estimated income expected for the Israeli

economy as a result of their arrival is estimated at about 4.9 billion USD for that year, according to the average

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January 2025

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AVIATION

January 2025

AIRLINES FLYING TO ISRAEL UPDATE: CURRENT STATUS The security situation is leading to changes and cancellations in the flight schedule at Ben Gurion Airport, so here is an up-to-date snapshot of all the activities of the various airlines coming to Israel

C ompanies that have already renewed and are flying to Israel these days: Bluebird Airway, Etihad, TAROM, SmartWings, Aegean, Ethiopian, Cyprus Airways, Tus Air, Fly Dubai, LOT, Azerbaijan Airlines, Wizz, Air Europa, Bulgaria Air, Air Seychelles. And of course, the Israeli companies: El Al, Arkia, Israir and Air Haifa. Summary of the companies that have canceled, but about to renew their flights: Air France coming back on January 17, 2025 Air India coming back on January 31, 2025 ITA Airways coming back on January 31, 2025 Lufthansa / Austrian / Swiss / Brussels / Eurowings coming back on January 31, 2025 Air Baltic coming back on February 28, 2025 KLM coming back on March 25, 2025 Iberia Express coming back on March 30, 2025 Bees Airline coming back on March 30, 2025 Ryanair coming back on March 30, 2025 Delta coming back on March 31, 2025 Virgin Atlantic coming back on March 31, 2025 British Airways coming back on March 31, 2025 Croatia Airlines coming back on May 13, 2025

Companies that have not yet renewed their flights to Israel, but might announce it in the near future: United, Air Canada, Vueling, Corendon Airlines, Neos, American Airlines, Emirates.

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AVIATION

January 2025

NEW ISRAELI AIRLINE HOPES TO LAUNCH TEL AVIV - NEW YORK ROUTE ON JANUARY 21

Roundtrip tickets from Tel Aviv to New York are priced at 1,550 USD in economy class, including luggage, seating, and meals, and one-way tickets cost 900 USD

TechAir starts presale of Tel Aviv-New York flight bookings at a roundtrip economy fare

T echAir, a new Israeli seasonal airline initiated by a forum of leading tech executives and investors, is hoping to take off on an inaugural flight to New York on January 21, 2025, as US carriers have ceased flying to and from the country due to the ongoing war with the Hamas terror group. The Hi-Tech Center, a forum of entrepreneurs, startup founders, investors, and venture capital fund managers who rely on face-to-face meetings with

Arkia Also Joins with an Initiative

investors and customers located outside the country, is not waiting for the government to take action. Citing the shortage of flights to the US, limited availability, and high airfares, TechAir plans to run three weekly direct flights with leased planes and crews to bolster the route between Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport and New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport starting next month until at least the end of March. After sealing an agreement to lease an Airbus A330-900

passenger aircraft, which will be operated by an unnamed Israeli company, TechAir kicked off an online 72-hour presale booking period to secure sufficient commitment to launch the route. Roundtrip tickets from Tel Aviv to New York are priced at 1,550 USD in economy class, including luggage, seating, and meals, and one- way tickets cost 900 USD. After the presale period, ticket fares are set to increase by 15 to 20 percent.

Arkia announced this week that it will launch a direct flight between Tel Aviv and New York in cooperation with AirTech. The company states that the first flight will depart from Tel Aviv to New York (JFK Airport) on February 8 (Saturday) at 11:00 p.m. Flight prices will start at 1,199 USD for a round-trip ticket, including luggage, two full meals and drinks. The flights will be operated on an Airbus 330-900 NEO aircraft from the Spanish-Portuguese company Iberojet.

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HOTELS

january 2025

After ten years, the Africa Israel Hotel chain ended its relationship with the Hai family, and management of the Nof Hotel returned to the family AFTER A DECADE: NOF HOTEL RETURNS TO MANAGEMENT OF THE HAI FAMILY

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T he Nof Hotel in the center of the Carmel has returned to its original name, and is managed by the Hai family, this time in partnership with the Naria Hotel chain. In 2014, the Africa Israel Hotel chain – the franchisee of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn hotels in Israel – signed an agreement with the Hai family to manage the hotel, and its name was changed

to the BayView Hotel. The agreement stipulated that the chain would manage the hotel for ten years with an option for an additional five years. Last week, with the termination of the contract with the Africa Israel Hotel chain, management and operation were transferred to the Naria Hotel chain, which also owns the Daria Resort Village, Mia Glamping and another hotel that is due to Photo: Pini Wineberg Setai Tel Aviv Hotel, one of the leading luxury hotels in Israel, participated in the International Luxury Travel Market (ILTM) held in Cannes, France. The fair, considered a major event in the world of luxury tourism, spread over three floors of exhibition R epresentatives of the space and brought together luxury hotels from over 300 countries around the world. The fair brings together leading brands, luxury hotels and travel and tourism agents, while creating a platform for strengthening business relationships and international collaborations. The Setai Tel Aviv Hotel was represented at the fair by Liron Dalal Arad – Director

open in Jerusalem in 2026. The management of the Nof Hotel will be carried out in partnership with the Hai family, who remain its owners and are full partners in all strategic and operational moves. The hotel is undergoing a complete renovation, and will have a new spa complex with treatment rooms and an innovative jacuzzi. Towards the summer, a culinary of Sales at the Setai, Herbert Samuel and Orchid chain, and Alex Arfi – Director of Rooms and Quality at the chain. Setai Tel Aviv Hotel, one of Israel’s most prominent luxury hotels, is located in a historic 19th-century Ottoman building in the heart of Old Jaffa. The hotel offers a unique combination of rich history and modern design, with spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea, unique chef journeys, a luxurious spa complex and the highest level of personal service. The hotel is considered one of the three recommended hotels in Israel by the prestigious magazine Forbes and is one of the luxury brands of The Leading Hotels of the World.

farmers’ market that will open on the promenade, and a new chef who worked abroad has joined the hotel, and will change the culinary character of the hotel. In the past, the hotel had a kosher Chinese restaurant that appealed to the traditional- religious audience, and the hotel is thinking about opening another kosher restaurant. Anat Starik-Dahan, Deputy CEO of the Setai chain, Herbert Samuel and Orchid: “After more than a year of war, in which tourism to Israel almost completely ceased, the fair is an opportunity to renew relationships with travel and tourism agents from all over the world. We are optimistic about the return of tourists to the chain in general and to the Setai Tel Aviv Hotel in particular, and we intend to continue to lead in the field of luxury tourism as part of the Leading Hotels of the World group. The meetings at the fair were particularly exciting, and many of the agents have already promised to cooperate again soon“.

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REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SETAI TEL AVIV HOTEL PARTICIPATED IN THE ILTM FAIR IN CANNES Anat Starik-Dahan, Deputy CEO of the Setai, Herbert Samuel & Orchid: “We are optimistic about the return of tourists to Israel”

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january 2025

ANOTHER NEW HOTEL IN EILAT: ROXON RED SEA Roxon Hotels is proud to announce the opening of a new hotel in Eilat: Roxon Red Sea Eilat

T he chain, owned by Eran Koyatek and Kobi Avrahami, is expanding and launching a new hotel in Eilat – Roxon Red Sea Eilat opens from December 2024. The hotel is located in an attractive location in Eilat, near the Ice Mall, and provides easy access to the beach, major attractions and leading restaurants in the city. Roxon Red Sea Eilat offers entrepreneurs Avi Shavki, a unique and luxurious hospitality experience, designed for guests aged 18 and over only. The hotel has 168 spacious and carefully designed rooms, combining a relaxed

open until the evening. In addition, the hotel completes the experience with a snack bar for light meals and a variety of drinks and a unique cocktail bar offering fine wines and a perfect atmosphere to end the day. Eran Koyatek, Co-CEO of the Roxon Hotels chain: “The Roxon Red Sea Eilat Hotel symbolizes our commitment to providing our guests with an exceptional hospitality experience, combining comfort, quality and luxury. Our new hotel in Eilat is part of the company’s plans to continue developing, while emphasizing creating unforgettable memories and experiences for our guests”.

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atmosphere with views of the Red Mountains from the rooms. The hotel offers personal and pampering service in all entertainment areas, including the hotel

restaurant, which serves indulgent breakfasts until 12:00, a lobby bar, a wine and cigar room, a billiard room, a fully equipped gym and a swimming pool

DESPITE THE WAR, ISRAEL PROMOTES ALMOST 30 NEW HOTEL PROJECTS

Israel’s Ministry of Tourism recently approved grants totaling

82.5 million ILS for the development of tourism infrastructure in 27 hotel projects through 2024

T he investment was made within the framework of the Capital Investment Promotion Law, in a context marked by war, and will allow for the addition of more than 2.700 new accommodation rooms throughout Israel, including in conflict zones such as Metula, where

buildings will be converted into tourist facilities with 21 rooms, and Ashkelon, where it was decided to build a 99- room hotel. Tourism Minister Haim Katz explained that the idea is to continue “supporting developers with subsidies to increase supply,

diversity and competition in the hotel sector. This year, we will also push for a framework for mixed-use projects, which will make hotel investments more economically viable and accelerate construction in Israel.” In addition to the conflict

zones, the investment will allow for the construction of a new tourist complex in Mitzpe Ramon, with 260 rooms, or three new hotels with 950 rooms in Ein Bokek, next to the Dead Sea, and two hotels at the old airport in Eilat, among others.

Israel Travel News • 17

HOTELS

January 2025

Meet the Olive Tree Hotel Royal Plaza in Jerusalem

Legend has it that centuries ago, prior to the establishment of the hotel, an olive tree once stood, where many pilgrims once stopped to take shelter from the blazing sun and provided them with shade and a place to rest and recharge before they set off to explore the holy sites of the city

J ust a short walk from the old city and the city centre, the Olive Tree Hotel is a beautiful property combining modern design with old elements. Guests rooms are spacious and elegantly arranged and they feature all modern comforts including an LCD TV, tea & coffee making facilities, direct dial telephone as well

as pillow selection and black- out curtains. Guests can also make use at the internet connectivity via the TV. Opened in 2000, the hotel was built around an ancient olive tree that legends say provided shades for caravans of pilgrims just before entering the holy city. The beautiful hotel lobby is a great place to enjoy a drink

or a light meal. The service at the Olive Tree hotel is attentive and staff will be more than happy to help with any requests. After the recent refurbishment, the hotel has 304 rooms, about 200 of which were renovated in the last year. Rafi Farber, the hotel owner, invested in the hotel - despite

the war in the year: “Because there are fewer tourists at the moment, the hotel is mostly a pilgrimage hotel for Israelis. All the carpets in the hallways and dining room have been replaced, a new elevator has been installed - including a floor to the parking lot. The entire hotel has been renovated, and you will find more things”.

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January 2025

ISROTEL TO OPEN FIVE NEW HOTELS IN ISRAEL DURING 2025 I sraeli plans a major Following the addition of the new hotels the chain will have 28 hotels around Israel In addition to opening new hotels, the chain is renovating and enhancing existing

expansion during 2025 by opening five new hotels at an investment of 1 billion ILS. Following the addition of the new hotels the chain will have 28 hotels around the country. In addition, over the next five years, Isrotel will open seven more hotels in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Eilat and the Kinneret. Next month, Isrotel will open the 145-room Gymnasia Hotel on Tel Aviv’s Montefiore Street. In March, the 147- room Ayelet Hotel on Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar in the Upper Galilee will open and in May, Daroma Hotel in Mitzpeh Ramon will open with a 128-room hotel in the comprehensively renovated

hotels. The King Solomon in Eilat, which was the chain’s first hotel, is expected to reopen in April after extensive renovations. The Mitzpe HaYamim and Gomeh Hotels, which were recently used to accommodate evacuees, will also return to operation after a facelift. At the same time, the Aluma chain, Isrotel’s sister company, continues to expand in Europe. Over the past year, two new hotels have been opened in Athens, and a third hotel - the 218-room Adia - will soon open in the Greek capital, in the city’s historic center.

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Pundak Ramon. In July the 44-suite Kayma will open by the Dead Sea, and in

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HOTELS

January 2025

THE RAMADA AND ROYAL JERUSALEM HOTELS A NEW LOOK Massive renovation of two of the most exquisite hotels in Jerusalem here is a look on what is new

including the construction of a presidential suite on the 12th floor, which is spread over a very large area including a large balcony overlooking Jerusalem. Upgrading our 1,000 square meter pillarless ballroom, including upgrading the audio-visual systems. Currently, Ramada hotel is in the midst of renovations and upgrades of two additional floors. Also, renovation of the replacement of areas and wallpaper on the floors of the Royal Hotel and upgrading the lobby.

We will be able to offer customers 613 guest rooms between the two hotels on 4 different levels”, says Ilan Brenner - Marketing Manager of both hotels, ”in addition to the many halls that allow for large-scale meetings and gatherings. We hope and expect that we will soon return to our normal activities, which include hosting groups of pilgrims from around the world.

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T he Ramada and Royal Jerusalem hotels have undergone extensive renovations at high costs in recent years, despite the fact that the hotels were closed for part of the period due to the COVID virus (without income) and the last year - during the war, when activity was reduced.

the most advanced system in the world based on gas, in which every guest can choose at any given moment between heating and air conditioning in the room regardless of the season or what is happening in the other rooms. Massive renovation of two upper floors at the Ramada hotel and converting them into business floors including use of a business lounge. These floors are intended for use exclusively by adults. Renovation and upgrading of all suites in the hotel,

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The projects included: Replacing 13 elevators

between the two hotels, as well as replacing the entire air conditioning system at the Ramada Jerusalem hotel. Today, the hotel operates in

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APPOINTED

January 2025

DAN HOTELS ANNOUNCES NEW APPOINTMENTS WITHIN THE CHAIN

Shimon Kipnis Appointed Eilat Area Manager and CEO of Dan Eilat. He has extensive hotel experience in Israel and abroad. Among the notable positions he has held over the years: Manager of the Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel, Manager of the Scottish Hotel in Tiberias, Manager of the Alma Hotel in Zichron Yaacov, and hotel management in Amsterdam and Berlin.

Shlomi Tahan, CEO of Dan Hotels, said:

Yaniv Haiumi Appointed CEO of Dan Panorama Tel Aviv. He began his hotel career at Dan Hotels 25 years ago, during which he held a variety of management positions such as: VP of Operations at Dan Acadia Herzliya, Manager of Dan Hotel Jerusalem, Manager of Dan Panorama Haifa, and for the past 3 years he has served as CEO of Dan Panorama and Dan Boutique Hotels in Jerusalem.

The extensive round of appointments in the Dan Hotels chain, most of which is based on quality managers who grew and developed within the chain, is a testament to the strength of our human resources and the impressive managerial reserves we have. These appointments are not only the result of exceptional professional ability, but also the result of ongoing investment in the personal and professional growth of each of our managers and employees

Ruth Kaplan Appointed Manager of Ruth Safed Hotel. She began her professional career at the Sheraton chain and held a series of management positions at the Crown Plaza, Golden Tulip and Sheraton Israel hotels.

Guy Adiran Appointed Jerusalem Area Manager and CEO of Dan Jerusalem. He began his work at the Dan Hotels chain 25 years ago and held a variety of management positions, including: CEO of the Dan Panorama Eilat Hotel, Manager of the “King David” Hotel in Jerusalem, and for the past 3 years, he has served as Eilat Area Manager and CEO of Dan Eilat.

Moran Levy Appointed national recruitment manager for the chain. She began her work in the hotel industry 22 years ago. In 2010, Levy joined Dan Hotels as human resources manager at Dan Panorama Hotel Eilat, was promoted to VP of Rooms and later to hotel manager. In 2022, she began leading and developing the company’s glamping sector.

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