ITN - ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS ONLINE - March 2024

№ ??? 〉 January 2019 441 〉 March 2024

March 2024

THE BIGGEST FLOWER EXHIBITION IN ISRAEL – EVER

40 A Perfect Day in Jerusalem

28 A record number of passengers in 2024

Ksenia Kobiakov Director, Israeli Government Tourist Office in Germany: Welcome To ITB

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CONTENTS March 2024

ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS

Israel Tourism Minister Haim Katz Tells Evangelicals: ‘Israel is Safe’ The most mysterious places in Israel Optimism at the IMTM 2024 to be Held at the Tel Aviv Expo 3.1 MILLION: Israel sees rise in foreign tourists Hamat Gader opens after four months The leading nature sites in visitor arrivals in Israel this year A Perfect Day in Jerusalem Aviation Israir is purchasing an aircraft for 29 million ils EL AL announces new for flights to and from the USA United Airlines is Resuming Its Flights to Israel BEN GURION AIRPORT: a record number of passengers since the beginning of the war

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Photo: The Exhibition in Israel

An App, digital stations and a travel code: Gett gets to Ben Gurion Airport British Airways Reopens Routes to Israel From April Ethiopian Airlines will increase the frequency of flights from Israel KLM returns to Israel and increases its flight schedule for the summer Hotels New a nd high-tower hotels on the North Coast of Eilat A Presidential Hug at the King David Hotel A new hotel brand opens in israel: Poli Jaffa: A centuries-old ancient building will be converted into a boutique hotel Exhibitions The Biggest Flower Exhibition in Israel – Ever

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WELCOME

March 2024

Shalom, Shalom and Welcome to ITB 2024.

I started my position as the new Director of the Tourism Office in Berlin in December 2023. I am happy that the biggest tourism fair in the world - ITB is one of my first projects in the new position. I am very glad and thankful that Israel has it’s stand at the ITB 2024, and we can present our outstanding county and to meet all our partners and friends. The last weeks and months were very sad for us and challenging for the tourism industry. But Israel is experienced in rebounding from difficult and challenging times. So, I see ITB 2024 as the perfect opportunity to prepare a restart for tourism to Israel. It is a great pleasure for me to say the Israel travel industry is on its way to recovery and ready to break new records. The number of tourists in Israel raised permanently until the end of September. We were on the way to break another tourism record in 2023. Our visitor statistics show that Germany ranks among TOP 5 and the German speaking market incl. Austria and Switzerland ranks among TOP 3 on our entry table. I am very confident that we will reach the record numbers of 2019 very soon. This is a big motivation for us to continue our work in promoting Israel in 2023. We already started to work and to prepare the restart for 2024. Our Strategy and plans are developed for different target groups. Several projects and events will be organized for B2B and B2C-partners. Seminars, Events, campaigns, Hostings – we will use all instruments to bring back Israel on the bucket list in the German speaking market. Israel attracted millions of tourists in the past and it will attract millions again. In the next few years, I will do everything for this target, together with my team and all our partners and friends. The German market always played a very important role in Israeli tourism. So, I am very proud to take over this position and to continue this important and interesting work. We look forward to seeing you your guests in Israel – Land of Creation. Finally, I wish all of us success and good meetings during the ITB and a lot of optimism, trust and mainly peace. Tourism is an industry which connects people and open minds for more solidarity support and tolerance.

Ksenia Kobiakov, Director, Israeli Government Tourist Office in Germany

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THE OLD CITY OF AKKO INVITES YOU TO DISCOVER ITS SECRETS ABOVEGROUND AND BELOW

Old Akko (Acre) is a port city situated on a peninsula on the Mediterranean coast in northern Israel. It is known for its well-preserved old city walls. A visit to this ancient city is an important part of the Holy Land experience and one of Israel’s main tourist destinations. Currently home to thousands of residents, Akko is a study of contrasts – the convergence of East and West, modernity and antiquity, beauty and ruins. Known for centuries as the gateway to the Holy Land due to its location as a port of entry for international dignitaries and trade, Akko provides a unique glimpse into the Crusader and Ottoman periods in the region. The subterranean crusader city was revealed and restored under the Ottoman city above. This extraordinary phenomenon was awarded World Heritage Site by UNESCO. POINTS OF INTEREST: The Knights’ Kingdom A 5,000-year old story unfolds inside the halls of the citadel - the museum’ displays and films projected on the walls tell the story of the crusades. During this tour, each visitor receives a headset, and can choose one of 10 different languages. The Hospitaller Fortress The Hospitaller Order, which thrived in Jerusalem during the First Crusader Kingdom (1099-1187) transferred its headquarters to Akko during the Second Crusader Kingdom (1191-1291). The

Hospitallers expanded their headquarters and rebuilt the site, which consisted of two to three floors around a central court as

well as underground sections. The Templars Tunnel

The Templars were a military-monastic order who – in the name of the pope – aided pilgrims and the ailing coming from Europe to visit the holy sites of the Land of Israel. MORE POINTS OF INTEREST: The colorful Market Street and Bazaars are the main thoroughfare of the Old City, running from north to south. One cannot visit the city without tasting the delicious dishes at the wonderful Chef Restaurants and paying a visit at the unique Boutique Hotels. A ferry from Akko to Haifa and from Haifa to Akko is a special experience that offers tourists the chance to enjoy the spectacular views of the cities by sea (times being subject to weather condition). There are Churches, Mosques and Synagogue in Old Akko. Some of them are opened to visits. The “Or Torah” Synagogue in the new city is a site worth seeing. So is the “Al Basha” Turkish Bath and the Seraya, a structure built during Turkish rule in Akko, in the late 18th century, where the offices of the civilian regime officials were located. It is also recommended to visit the galleries in the Old City and the “Okashi” Art Museum as well as the “Treasures in the Walls” Museum.

Old Akko, a city of art and fine cuisine In addition to the unique historical sites of Old Akko, it is known as a culinary powerhouse, combining authentic food stalls like Hummus and Falafel alongside fine Chef Restaurants. Throughout the year the city hosts many festivals, exhibitions and cultural music performances as well as new attractions such as: an audio guided tour adapted for children with the “Cool Knight”, an Augmented Reality Experience (for now only in Hebrew) ‘Adventure in Akko’ and more.

OLD AKKO (ACRE) Akko is a city that has been shaped by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Mamelukes, Ottomans and British, and fittingly is today home to brilliantly coexistent mixed population of Muslims, Jews, Christians, Druze and Baha’i. Akko is a study in contrasts - the convergence of east and west, modernity and antiquity, beauty and ruins.

The Bahá’í gardens in Akko, © Bahá’í International Community

Admiral Sir Sidney Smith from the AR Experience ‘Adventure Akko’

For more information on the city of Old Akko: Phone: +972-4-9956-706/7 | www.akko.org.il/en/ Write to us: info@akko.org.il

ISRAEL TOURISM

March 2024

Israeli Tourism Minister Haim Katz told 4,000 Christian communicators that Israel is safe for tourism MINISTER HAIM KATZ TELLS EVANGELICALS: ‘ISRAEL IS SAFE’

C alling for increased Christian tourism to the Jewish State, Katz thanked the evangelical community for its unequivocal support during remarks at the opening of the NRB (National Religious Broadcasters) Christian Media Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. “The massacre that was perpetrated on us on October 7 brought us back to dark days, days in which we rediscovered the resilience of the people living in Zion. The support and messages of solidarity from the Christian community

Katz and Tourism Ministry representatives are expected to work towards strengthening collaboration with tour operators and opinion leaders in the Christian world, with a focus on expanding Christian tourism to Israel. Among other things, meetings are taking place with marketing and media companies specializing in the Christian market, including TBN, the largest Evangelical television network in the USA and the Salem Group – one of the most prominent in the field.

were a great light for us in the darkness”, Israel Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, said during his remarks. “Be our ambassadors in words and deeds. The best way to support Israel is to visit Israel. The safety of tourists is our top priority. Israel takes great care regarding the safety of tourists and citizens alike. Most of the tourist areas were not affected by the war and are completely safe”, Katz added. “Come again this year, to strengthen yourselves and to strengthen us”, As part of his visit to the USA,

Be our ambassadors in words and deeds. The best way to support Israel is to visit Israel. The safety of tourists is our top priority. Israel takes great care regarding the safety of tourists and citizens alike

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ISRAEL TOURISM

most mysterious places in Israel 10 The

Who arranged stones in huge circles in the Golan Heights? What was the pyramid of Madras for? Let’s delve into the most intriguing sites in Israel

Atlit Fortress

A round the world raise questions about how they were formed and for what purpose they were used. Although Israel is small, and most of its corners are well there are quite a few mysterious sites that known, one can still find mysterious and intriguing sites: stone circles in the Golan Heights, a Crusader fortress in the center of the country that has been closed for decades, round rocks scattered in the desert, and ancient rock paintings. Here is a look at some of the special and mysterious sites in Israel, from north to south:

1 Dolmens in the Golan Heights Megalithic buildings built of huge stones have excited the imagination of researchers since time immemorial. Who founded them? How did they place the heavy stones on top of each other without any engineering equipment? And how do the stones remain arranged in this structure for so many years, without cement? There are also such structures in Israel: hundreds of dolmens (stone tables) are scattered throughout the Golan Heights. These are megalithic

2 Gilgal Refaim, Golan Heights The most famous stone circle site in Israel, which received publicity worldwide, proves that you don’t have to travel to Britain to see stone circles — just go to the Golan Heights. In the heart of a vast plain, near the Yonatan settlement, are scattered no less than 42,000 basalt stones arranged in circles. In the center of the circles is a mound of stones about five meters high. The Arabs named the place Rujm el-Hiri, “the pile of stones of the wild cat.” In Hebrew it is called Gilgal Refaim, “ghost wheel.”

structures, built in the structure of a table – two vertical stones on which the head stone is balanced. The dolmens, many of which originally served as burial chambers, were typical of the Neolithic period (10000- 2200 BCE), but were also used in the Bronze Age

(3300-1200 BCE). A particularly high

concentration of dolmens is found in a field near the ancient city of Gamla. It is hard not to stand in awe of the tremendous power inherent in them and wonder how they were created and for what purpose.

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March 2024

Estimates suggest that the site was built at the end of the Chalcolithic period (5500- 3000 BCE), but the reason why it was founded is not clear. There is speculation that it was built as a burial site for high-ranking people, and the tomb in the center of the site strengthens this hypothesis. However, the tomb was built about a thousand years after the construction of the stone circle and no human bones were found in it, only objects and jewelry. Another hypothesis is that

Anyone who drives on the coastal road near Atlit can see the peninsula with its impressive remains of a Crusader fortress. The fortress was built in 1218 by the Knights Templar, and served as the seat of the last Crusaders in the Land of Israel before they abandoned their kingdom. The history of the building, and of the Templar Order, stirs the imagination, but since the 1950s the fortress has been used as a secret training base for the Israel Defense Forces and entry is prohibited to the public. Thus, all that is left to do is observe it from afar (from the old fishing pier or from the water pool at the Karta Ruins Reserve) and think about its glorious and intriguing past. 4 Zawayat El-Shadlia | El Majdila Mosque, Acre The Sufi movement is a mystical current in Islam, similar to Kabbalism in Judaism and Gnosticism in Christianity. Sufis advocate love, peace and the pursuit of unity with God, whom they worship through singing, dancing, art and meditation. Some believe the Sufi movement was born in Israel, and the first center of the Sufis in Israel was in Ramla. With the outbreak of the 1948 Arab–Israeli War (Israel’s War of Independence), many of the Sufi orders in Israel disbanded. In recent

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the place was used for ceremonies to the gods

Ishtar and Tammuz – gods of fertility — as thanks for the good harvest. There is also a belief that the place was used as a primitive calendar or for astronomical observations. And, as in the cases of stone circles shrouded in mystery around the world, different theories have been put forward here too, for example, that the circle was established by giants living in the area. By the way, inside the central mound of Gilgal Refaim is a dolmen. 3 Atlit Fortress While there are places that are mysterious because no-one knows how, or why, they were founded, there are places shrouded in an aura of mystery, such as the Atlit Fortress, because only very few have had the privilege of visiting them.

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years, Sufi centers have been reopened and the movement is flourishing again in Israel. The Sufi center Zawayat El- Shadlia, in the old city of Acre (Akko), was established in 1862 and for years served as the world center of the Shadli Sufi order. Later, the spiritual center of the order moved to Lebanon, but in recent years, the center in Acre has been undergoing extensive renovation works aimed to put Acre once again at the spiritual center of the mystical order. The appearance of the building from the outside does not hint at the grandeur and splendor inside: A spectacular dome, colorful marble columns, carpets and works of art and gardens with Andalusian-style pools and fountains are only part of what is hidden inside the blue-domed stone structure. And more than what the eyes see, it is fascinating to get to know the spiritual and mysterious side of the Sufi faith. 5 The Ethiopian monastery above the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jerusalem The Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem is one of the most important churches in the world, because according to Christian belief, Jesus was buried there after being taken down from the cross and from this tomb he was resurrected. But not everyone knows

The pyramid in the ruins of Madras

that on the roof of the church’s Saint Helena chapel, in the place considered to be the ninth station of the path of torment, lives a tiny compound of Ethiopian monks. Designed as an Ethiopian village, the monastery rooms are built of clay, painted in bright colors and furnished ascetically. During the Crusader period, the roof of the church was used as a dining hall for knights, but the ceiling of the hall did not survive and only the remains of the columns and arches testify to the splendor that was once here. In 1760, the Ethiopian church took over the ruins, but since the place belonged to the Coptic church before that, there has been a dispute over the ownership of the area ever since. The monastery returned to the Copts in 1830, while the Ethiopians returned

and took control of it after the Six Day War in 1967. Today, Ethiopian monks lead an ascetic communal life there. 6 Jerusalem Water Channel Just under the streets of the Old City of Jerusalem, there is a branching system of tunnels built as drainage canals at the end of the Second Temple period in the beginning of the common era. They were later used for hiding during the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans. One of the most important tunnels is the drainage canal in the City of David, located under the main paved street that crosses Jerusalem, from the Western Wall in the north to the Shiloh Pool in the City of David in the south. The height of the canal reaches up to three meters in some places, so that you

could walk in it with your head upright, and it is about a meter wide. The channel was built to drain rainwater so that it would not disturb the many residents and pilgrims who came to Jerusalem and walked on the paved street right above the channel. During the Great Rebellion, many rebels found refuge in the canal and some of them lived there until they escaped outside the city. 7 Hidden caves in the Judean Lowlands The rebels who hid in

the drainage channel in Jerusalem were not the first, nor the last, to hide underground. Caves have

always been an excellent hiding place, and in Israel many such caves were common in the Judean Lowlands, thanks to the white soft chalk rock that characterizes the area and

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site includes remains of an agricultural settlement dating back to the Hellenistic period, with ruins of houses and burial and hiding caves. It’s also famous for its pyramid. Admittedly, at just 10 meters (32.8 feet) wide and 3.5 meters (11.4 feet) high, it is much more modest than the pyramids of Egypt. But, just like the pyramids there, the Madras pyramid is part of a magnificent burial system. It was a memorial to the people buried under it, based on the concept that the pyramid-like structure served as a dwelling place for the souls of the dead. 9 The bulbous field in Nahal Tzin Around the world there are places where hundreds or thousands of giant stones are scattered and no one knows how they got there. There is a similar phenomenon in Israel – the bulbous field in Nahal Tzin. In this large field at the foot

who was angry with the sinners, turned their heads into stone, so that they would see and be seen. 10 Har Karkom | Mount Karkom Many mysteries have been associated with Mount Karkom, which lies in the southwestern Negev close to the border with Egypt. A significant part of the mystery is associated with the many rock paintings found here — over 40,000 images and signs, including paintings of animals and portraits of everyday scenes such as hunting or prayer and even a painting that some believe depicts the Tablets of the Covenant. This image, along with other findings, led to theories that Karkom is the biblical Mount Sinai, although this concept does not enjoy a consensus among archeologists. In addition to rock paintings, over a thousand archeological sites were found on the

mountain, whose geological age is estimated at 40 million years, from the Paleolithic period to the Ottoman period, which indicates a sequence of human settlement in the place. Many of the sites found are burial and cult sites. In recent years, the aura of mystery around the mountain has grown thanks to an unusual phenomenon that occurs there in December, around the shortest day of the year: starting at noon, a halo of light emerges from the edge of one of the caves on the side of the mountain, which looks like fire breaking out of the rock. The phenomenon, nicknamed “the burning bush,” actually has an explanation: At this time of the year, the sun is at its lowest angle in front of the Earth. When the sun’s rays hit the interior of one of the caves on the side of the mountain, the cave wall reflects the light rays and creates the effect of yellow-orange light emanating from the cave.

Har Karkom

allows for easy carving. In the Judean Lowlands there are thousands of caves and pits dug for various purposes — cisterns, cloth houses, warehouses and more. Many of these caves were later converted to hideouts. The complex and important hideaways in the area were apparently set up by members of Bar Kokhba’s army in preparation for the Bar Kokhba rebellion (132-135 CE) against Roman rule. Today, about 300 such cave systems are known in the Judean Lowlands and the Galilee. The caves are usually characterized by wide spaces with narrow openings, which are connected by narrow and low caves. Some speculate that the Romans located the ventilation openings of the caves and blew in smoke, which forced the rebels to come out and surrender. 8 The pyramid in the ruins of Madras Another site famous for its concealment system is the Madras ruins in the Adullam Grove Nature Reserve. The

of Mount Tzin – a flat-top mountain in the Negev

Kidane Mehret Church, Jerusalem

Desert — thousands of round (bulbous) limestone rocks up to 50 centimeters in diameter are densely scattered. This is the only place in Israel with such a large concentration of limestone bulbous rocks. Fossils of creatures such as fish and oysters were found in many of them. How were these rocks created? Bedouin residents of the area say that the biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah happened here, and that God,

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OPTIMISM AT THE IMTM 2024 TO BE HELD AT THE TEL AVIV EXPO

More airlines are returning their operations to Israel

T he annual international tourism exhibition: IMTM 2024 (International Mediterranean Tourism Market) will mark its 30th anniversary, and will return in order to help and restore tourism. Hundreds of booths from a large number of countries from around the world are expected to arrive this year as well. The foreign airlines are returning their flights to Israel, which is happy and optimistic news for the organizers of the exhibition. Following the war, outbound domestic tourism was almost completely stopped, and the existence of the IMTM exhibition is part of the restoration of the tourism industry, which needs more than ever a start-

airline of Cyprus announced the return of the flight line between Tel Aviv and Larnaca and the low-cost company FlyOne from Moldova will operate a line from Tel Aviv to Chisinau. Moreover, Fly Dubai is increasing its flights to Israel due to growing demand, and United Airlines is bringing back flights from Tel Aviv to the US. So far, several leading airlines have returned: British Airways, Air France, Turkish Airlines, Emirates, Ryanair, Wizz Air, American Airlines, Delta, Pegasus Airlines and more. Eyal Shmueli, publisher of I.T.N. and IMTM exhibition projects: “Despite the war, we see more and more countries returning to operate their flights to Israel and this is

good news for tourism entering Israel and optimism for the IMTM tourism exhibition. We see that as time goes by, the tourism industry is trying to come back to itself, and also old international companies are returning to operate in Israel. The countries of the world have seen Israel for years as a strategic goal at the tourist and business level, and as part of the exhibition, apart from exposing the Israeli tourist to world tourism, there are also transactions between the local and foreign businesses. The tourism industry in Israel is in difficult times, and this year the exhibition was born out of the willingness to grow the industry”.

up booster. Despite the war, there is also a great demand from the countries of the world to participate in the IMTM tourism exhibition that wish to attract the Israeli tourist, and a large number of countries are expected to participate, including Sri Lanka, Ghana, Romania and Azerbaijan. In the last few days, we were informed that the Dutch airline KLM plans to resume its flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv, Air France announced an increase in the frequency of flights on the Tel Aviv-Paris line. The giant Lufthansa group, which includes Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines and Swiss, will increase the frequency of flights to and from Israel. In addition, Cyprus Airways, the national

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L ast year, about 3.01 million indicating the continued recovery of tourism after the coronavirus crisis in previous years, according to the bureau. However, the number was still significantly lower than the record 4.55 million in 2019. Following the tourists visited Israel, compared to 2.675 million in 2022, outbreak of the conflict on Oct. 7, 2023, the number of tourists visiting Israel dropped from 304,100 in September to 89,700 in October, 38,300 in November, but we see a comeback of 52,800 in December. The estimated tourism revenue for 2023 is 17.7 billion ILS, where the average spending per tourist is 6,005 ILS (not including flight). From January to the outbreak of the war, there was a 10% increase in tourist 3.1 MILLION: ISRAEL SEES RISE IN FOREIGN TOURISTS

The number of foreign tourists visiting Israel in 2023 increased by 12.52 percent year-on-year despite a sharp drop since October caused by the Israel- Hamas conflict, data released by the country’s Central Bureau of Statistics.

arrivals from the USA, compared to the corresponding period in the record year 2019. 36% came for the purpose of sightseeing and travel (mostly tourists), 20% came for pilgrimage purposes, 30% came on an organized trip and the average length of stay: 8.3 nights. Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz: “2023 marked a record year for inbound tourism, when in the American market, the main and largest, we broke records in the number of tourists. We are preparing the necessary infrastructure

that will allow us to operate efficiently and quickly the day after, to help jumpstart the economy and provide the state with additional resources for reconstruction and for growth. The indications from the field are encouraging, the tourists did postpone their arrival because of the war, but many did not cancel their reservations and are waiting for the right opportunity to come. Israel has a lot to offer as a tourist destination, we look forward to returning and welcoming the tourists to our gates”.

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Ben Gurion’s statue was re-placed on the beach in Tel Aviv The statue, which is based on the iconic image of the first prime minister standing on his head, was renovated with thorough work and returned to its place between Bogarshov Beach and Frishman Beach

on his head, a skill he learned as a student of Moshe Feldenkrais, inventor of the Feldenkrais method which the first prime minister practiced and helped him with the back pain he suffered from. After the statue was maliciously set on fire last September, Huldai undertook to create a copy of the original statue and return it to its place as soon as possible, and indeed this morning it happened. “The Ben Gurion statue, one of the city’s favorite statues, has been re- positioned on the beach,” said the mayor. “The statue was renovated with thorough and professional work and to my delight it came back even more beautiful. Starting today, it returns to stand on its head in its natural place on the beach of Tel Aviv- Jaffa and once again make the residents of the city happy”.

City of Parks: There is a new park in Rishon Lezion Another park is being launched in Rishon Lezion, which was inaugurated at a festive event

T he iconic statue of David Ben-Gurion standing on his head returned to its place this month after it was set on fire last September. The statue, which stands 2.80 meters tall and weighs about 600 kg, was placed between Bogarshov Beach and Frishman Beach in the city. “We promised and it is coming back,” said mayor Ron Huldai.

R ishon Lezion is named “Family Park”. The new park was inaugurated as part of a festive event, while during 2024 another park is expected to open in the city, which is adding more and more green lungs to its ranks. renewed with another park, which has been Rishon Lezion’s new family park, located between the neighborhoods of Kramim, Neve Yam and Kiryat Rishon, stretches over 97 dunams and will initially offer 4 paddle courts, a Pumptrack complex that includes extreme tracks for children and teenagers, a basketball court, a well-kept dog park, a large playground with facilities special, picnic areas, wide lawns and even

a first-of-its-kind martial arts complex in Israel. In the future, the park is expected to be renewed with a fountain with special lighting elements, an innovative squash complex, a volleyball net, water games and a boardwalk that connects the squash complex to the Gan Sipur restaurant. At the same time, in the town of Rishon Lezion, they are currently working on a park that will open in the Alef complex and will cover 95 dunams. An ecological park will be placed in the center of the park and around it visitors will be able to enjoy a variety of green walking paths, bicycle paths and games with the children.

The municipality of Tel Aviv initiated the construction and

placement of the statue in 2016 and it is based on the iconic photo of the first prime minister from 1955 by photojournalist Paul Goldman. The picture shows Ben-Gurion wearing a bathing suit and standing

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HAMAT GADER OPENS AFTER FOUR MONTHS

The bath site located in the Yarmukh Valley, south of the Golan Heights, opens its doors again after four months of silence due to the security situation. On the agenda: hot thermo-mineral springs, pools and body treatment rooms. The Spa Village hotel, for adults only, opens as a daily entertainment only

T he news about warming in the northern sector, on the border of Jordan, is for fans of spa resorts and hot springs. At the Hamat Gader site, the bath park and spa complex were opened for vacationers, this after four months of silence due to the security situation in the country. The trip to Hamat Gader in the south of the Golan properly prepares the visitors to the resort and the crocodile

temperatures do not affect the hot thermo-mineral springs that reach 39 degrees Celsius and have special properties to detach from troubles and worries and with their power to allow devotion to the beat and rest in a watery reality that is 180 degrees opposite to that in the cool open air. Next to the pools, the spa complex will also be opened this week, with pampering treatment rooms, and it will operate at this stage in the

format of daily entertainment only, including the possibility of booking a room to stay during the day. When is it open? Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 17:00. Entrance fee to Hamat Gader - 118 ILS per person in the middle of the week, and 128 ILS at the weekend. Entrance fee to the Spa Village - 233 ILS per person during the week, and 266 ILS on the weekend (Thursday- Saturday).

farm for the experience that awaits them and the sense of detachment that is required of them in the desert oasis. The road that leaves the Kinneret begins to curve down to the site and reveal to the passengers powerful basalt cliffs in the Yarmukh Valley erupting between the southern Golan and the Jordan Valley, at a height of about 150 meters below sea level. The stormy winter that afflicts us this year and the low

20 • www.itn.co.il

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Atlas Boutique Hotels: 40 years of the Finest and Most Interesting Accommodation Experiences in Israel

T he most recent hotel to join the chain of Atlas Boutique Hotels is the Backstage Hotel, built inside an historic theater which was converted into 48 beautiful rooms and spaces that tell the fascinating story of performing arts in Tel Aviv. The Backstage - which has immediately become one of the best and most talked-about locations in a city packed with hotels - is the result of our 40 years of experience in creating unique concept hotels at prime locations in Israel’s most important tourism cities – Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Eilat. Atlas Boutique Hotels are all situated at prime locations - whether it’s at the beating heart of the city, the marketplaces or the picturesque seaside neighborhoods in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, or a quiet but central location in Eilat near all the attractions and restaurants. Each hotel has its own unique concept, which draws inspiration from the building’s unique architecture, its history, or the surrounding area. Our concept hotels and boutique

designer rooms are renowned for their creativity, bringing to Israel a timeless and unprecedented accommodation concept. The unique accommodation design is complimented by our core strength and standout feature as a brand – which is our exceptional service and customer experience. It’s this commitment that has propelled our hotels to the highest rankings on Google and across all booking platforms. Whether you’re looking for an upbeat urban experience, a luxurious family vacation, high- standard business functionality or any other kind of getaway, one of our Atlas Hotels is the right fit for you.

Phone: 03-9207777 | Website: www.atlas.co.il

These are not just any other generic hotels: each of the 15 hotels in the Atlas chain offers a different style of accommodation experience, with unique design and character, in Israel’s tourism cities

ISRAEL TOURISM

March 2024

THE LEADING NATURE SITES IN VISITOR ARRIVALS IN ISRAEL THIS YEAR

The Nature and Parks Authority summarizes the year 2023 and reveals the travel habits and the places we traveled this year. In the category of the leading nature sites this year, the Caesarea National Park, Masada and the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve star

I n the Nature and Parks Authority’s year summary project, the Authority reveals, among other things, the travel habits of the Israeli traveler before and after the outbreak of the war, the state of wildlife in Israel and the leading nature sites of the past year. 1 Caesarea National Garden: At the top of the top five. Herod’s city, endowed with a beautiful harbor and magnificent Roman remains such as the hippodrome and amphitheater, is a perfect site for young and old alike, which also contains excellent restaurants and special attractions. 2 Masada National Park: Another site that Herodos knows closely - it is the Masada, one of the favorite sites in Israel that enjoys the status of a world site, which is included in every itinerary of foreign tourists in Israel. The

citadel is not only the most successful place to see a sunrise in the Land of Israel, but also a must-see, which offers a trip through dreamy desert landscapes that kiss the Dead Sea and impressions of historical antiquities. 3 Ein Gedi Nature Reserve: Flowing waterfalls against the backdrop of the Dead Sea scenery, magical wading pools and encounters with local inhabitants such as the goats, make the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve one of the most sought-after routes in Israel. Add to that easy routes that are suitable for both adults and children and you will get a perfect route that always remains relevant. 4 Banias Nature Reserve: Unfortunately, due to the security situation we are now missing the beauty of Banias, which has received a

decent amount of rain, but that does not mean we cannot pay respect to one of the most beautiful and beloved nature reserves we have. With gushing springs, mesmerizing waterfalls and a variety of hiking trails that are also suitable for children, it is easy to understand why the Banias always remains on the list of most loved sites. 5 Tel Ashkelon National Park: The green lung of Ashkelon, aka the Tel Ashkelon National Park, closes the top five natural sites of the year - and the truth? We were not surprised. With a great bathing beach, rich flora and fauna and spectacular antiquities from the Middle Canaanite period, Tel Ashkelon National Park was and remains one of the most beautiful hidden places in our country.

24 • www.itn.co.il

Situated on the Mount of the Beatitudes – site of the ceremonies on the Mountain (Matthew 5:102), overlooking the Sea of Galilee and adjacent to the Church of the Beatitudes – erected on the mountain in the last century, after they had been destroyed all the churches that were built from time to time until the fourth century The Guest House has 50 rooms, serving daily lunches, offers the possibility of filming and has a chapel which can be booked to celebrate Masses, for studies and / or prayers.

Franciscan Sisters of I.H.M. (Suore Francescane Miss. del Cuore Immacolato di Maria) Mount of the Beatitudes, South Golan 12365 Israel. P.O.Box 2236 / Tiberias 1412102 - Israel Guesthouse Reception - Tel: ++ 972-4-6711200 | Fax: ++ 972-4-6726735 Sanctuary for mass celebration reservations - Tel: 972-4-6711223 / Fax: 972-4-6711225 Email: ospbeat@netvision.net.il | http://beatitudes.church

AVIATION

March 2023

ISRAIR IS PURCHASING AN AIRCRAFT FOR 29 MILLION ILS According to Israir Group’s statement, the plane, along with other measures, will bring prosperity to the company

EL AL ANNOUNCES NEW FOR FLIGHTS TO AND FROM THE USA The Israeli airline announced that it will add flights to various destinations throughout the country

capital structure, improve EBITDA and improve the company’s cash flow during the year 2024 and beyond”. Israir Group intends to issue series A bonds in order to raise money to purchase the Airbus aircraft. The company’s board of directors authorized the company’s management to examine options for financing the purchase and as part of the company’s strategy to strengthen the capital structure and improve cash flow, the company’s board of directors approved the examination of the possibility of raising debt, by issuing bonds. After the purchase of the plane, Israir will own three planes with a total value of about 70 million dollars, and together with the company’s hotel real estate, the value of the aviation and tourist real estate alone will reach about 100 million dollars. Israir Group’s share has increased since the beginning of the year on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange by 7.30%, since the beginning of the month by 2.10% with a value of 411.181 million ILS.

a very wide variety of onward destinations for those landing at the destination. Los Angeles, the farthest destination for El Al, is considered highly sought after both due to the fact that it has a very large Jewish and Israeli community, and also due to being an attractive destination for many tourists. Shlomi Zafrani, El Al’s VP of Commerce and Aviation Relations, said: “Since the outbreak of the war, El Al has condensed its flight schedule to the USA in order to continue to maintain the air bridge to a destination that is such a significant main artery for the State of Israel. We are continuing the expansion trend in the USA also for the summer season. Los Angeles and Boston are major destinations that are characterized by extensive Jewish and Israeli communities, a business and cultural center and connection points for onward flights to a variety of destinations across the continent.

El Al announced the addition of flights to various destinations in the United States. The addition of flights to the country is possible, among other things, following the cessation of flights to South Africa, as the planes that will be used for the flights to Johannesburg will be operated on flights to Los Angeles and Boston. In total, El Al will operate more than 50 flights a week to the USA: 6 flights a day to New York, 8 flights a week to Los Angeles, 4 flights a week to Boston and 6 flights a week to Miami. One of the reasons for adding the flights to Boston is the cooperation between the Israeli airline and Delta, which will allow passengers in the city to continue to many onward destinations within the USA, Mexico, other destinations in Central America and more, in a structured connection with the American airline. One of Delta’s hubs is in Boston, which should allow for

I srair entered into a binding, full and final agreement to purchase an Airbus aircraft from one of the company’s aircraft lessors. As part of the contract, it was agreed that in return for the transfer of approximately 24 million dollars by March 12th, 2024, minus an advance payment of approximately two million dollars and additional collateral, the sale of the aircraft and its transfer to the company would be completed. Also, Israir will contribute another five million dollars in the renovation of the plane’s engines, so that the total cost of the plane to the company will reach 29 million ILS. Israir Group, the controlling owner of Israir, states that “the company sees the purchase of the aircraft as a strategic opportunity to strengthen the position of the company’s aircraft fleet, improve the

26 • www.itn.co.il

3-4 APRIL | EXPO TEL AVIV 30TH INTERNATIONAL MEDITERRANEAN TOURISM MARKET

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