ITN - ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS - July 2022

ITN - ISRAEL TRAVEL NEWS - July 2022

№ ??? 〉 January 2019 № 433 〉 July 2022

THE SHORES AROUND SEA OF GALILEE WILL BE MUCH PRETTIER

4 Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace to All Airlines

Dan joins the leading hotels of the world 10

18

Eilat: hotels & diving with sharks

Be the first to know the news. Visit us on Facebook and like our page!

Announcing our new Instagram page! Check out Israel Travel news on Instagram and be sure to follow our page!

CONTENTS July 2022

ISRAEL TRAVEl NEWS

New Reservation Center for the Setai Hotels, Herbert Samuel and Orchid Group The David Citadel’s Veranda Restaurant Reopens. Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, Israel joins the leading hotels of the world 10,000 Applications were submitted for the construction of new hotel rooms in israel Aviation Technology Will Solve The Shortage In Tourism And Aviation Employees Chagai Topolanski Takes Office As Israel’s Ceo Of The Airports Authority. Israel To Reward Airlines Flying To Ramon Airport near Eilat Eilat Hotels & Diving With Sharks Tiberia Hotels & Diving With Sharks Tourism in Israel Caesarea National Park Is The First Accessible To The Blind In Israel

News Saudi Arabia Opens Airspace to All Airlines

4

9

10

Israel-Jordan Crossing to Open 24/7

5

Ministry of Tourism Tourism Ministry to Invest in Israel’s Tourist Infrastructure Hotels Menora Joins Israel Canada Hotels

6

12

8

14

Page 4

16

Since 1979

11 Gush Etzion St., Givat Shmuel 5403011, Israel Tel: 972-3-5251646 Fax: 972-3-5251605 [email protected] | www.itn.co.il

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

18

Editorial: Shy K. Segev Graphic Designer: VM Layout : A.N. Computer Services Worldwide Circulation Canada

20

Page 10

800

21

Europe

4,000 1,300 9,800 2,700 650

Israel

United Kingdom United States Rest of World

Total

19,250 67,000

A New Archeological Museum At The City Of Lod

22

Estimated readership

Digital copies - 35,000 distributed throughout the world

2 • www.itn.co.il

Enjoy the distinctive hospitality, design, atmosphere, flavors and style of each of our hotels across Israel. Create memories of a unique vacation

JERUSALEM PRIMA KINGS | PRIMA ROYALE | PRIMA PALACE | PRIMA PARK TIBERIAS PRIMA GALIL TEL AVIV PRIMA CITY | PRIMA TEL AVIV | JACOB SAMUEL | HOTEL 75 DEAD SEA OASIS SPA CLUB EILAT PRIMA MUSIC NETANYA DAVID TOWER RAANANA PRIMA MILLENNIUM PETAH TIKVA PRIMA LINK

www.prima-hotels-israel.com | Find us on

Israel Travel News • 3

NEWS

SAUDI ARABIA OPENS AIRSPACE TO ALL AIRLINES

breakthrough later today.” Saudi Arabia only began allowing Israeli airlines to fly over its territory in a special air corridor for flights to and from the UAE and Bahrain after the Abraham Accords were signed. The change means flights to and from India, Thailand, China, and other locations in the east can cut over the Saudi peninsula, saving hours of flight time. The US has been seeking to finalize the transfer of the Tiran and Sanafir Red Sea islands from Cairo to Riyadh in time for Biden’s visit to Jeddah, where he will participate in the GCC+3 summit and hold a bilateral meeting with Saudi officials. Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov on Twitter: Flight prices to the East will be reduced. The historic decision to allow Israeli planes to fly in the skies of Saudi Arabia is the result of much political work. Shortening flights to the east will significantly lower prices and open Announcement comes hours before Biden expected to fly to Jeddah to announce successful brokering of deal that will also see Egyptian islands transfered to Saudis

S audi Arabia opened its airspace to Israeli aircraft early Friday, as the first signs of a nascent normalization process between Jerusalem and Riyadh appeared to take shape. With US President Joe Biden set to fly to Jeddah from Israel later in the day, Saudi Arabia’s civil aviation authority said in a tweeted statement that it was announcing “the decision to open the Kingdom’s airspace for all air carriers that meet the requirements of the authority for overflying.” The statement did not mention Israel, but Biden is expected to announce from Jeddah the successful brokering of a complicated regional deal that will see Saudi Arabia take steps toward normalization with Israel while taking possession of two islands from Egypt. The normalization measures include Saudi Arabia opening its airspace to Israeli flights to the Far East in addition

to rolling out direct flights between Israel and Saudi Arabia for Muslim pilgrims, a Middle East diplomat said late Thursday, confirming a deal has been clinched. “This decision is the result of the President’s persistent and principled diplomacy with Saudi Arabia over many months, culminating in his visit today,” US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement from the White House shortly after the announcement. He said Biden, who will land in Saudi Arabia for a controversial visit later Friday, “will have more to say on this

“This decision is the result of the President’s persistent and principled diplomacy with Saudi Arabia over many months, culminating in his visit today”

4 • www.itn.co.il

July 2022

Plans in place for Israel-Jordan border crossing Allenby Bridge to be open 24/7 ISRAEL-JORDAN Crossing to Open 24/7

T he border crossing between Israel and Jordan at the Allenby Bridge is in the works of becoming operational on a 24/7 basis, after months of talks between Israelis, Palestinians and Morrocans, Transportation Minister Merav Michaeli’s office announced on Friday. The only thing holding the move back at this point is logistics, including a lack

of manpower. The announcement comes on the heels of US President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel and Saudi Arabia takes place. Michaeli: “I thank US President Joe Biden, King Muhammad VI and the Kingdom of Morocco and Jordanian King Abdullah II for their continued commitment to advancing peace and prosperity in the Middle East”.

up new and diverse destinations for Israelis. Thank you to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, President Biden and Prime Minister Lapid for bringing a vision to the reality of a new Middle East”. The Minister of Transportation and the Chairman of the Labor Party, Merav Michaeli, welcomed Saudi Arabia’s decision: “Now it’s official. Israeli flights will be allowed over the skies of Saudi Arabia. An important step by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that will significantly shorten flight times and lower the prices of flights from Israel to the East. Above all, it is another step towards better and stronger relations with the countries of the Middle East, relations that will enable Israel to strengthen and strengthen the tightening regional ties that are critical to our security and our economy”.

Israel Travel News • 5

MINISTRY OF TOURISM

Tourism Ministry to Invest in Israel's Tourist Infrastructure The ministry aims to increase incoming tourism to reach its goal of 10 million incoming tourists a year

T he Israel Tourism Ministry is launch- ing an initiative to develop the country’s tourism infrastructure with an expected budget of 300 million ILS. The ministry is inviting local authori- ties and public bodies to submit requests for as- sistance with projects that will significantly contribute to tourism, both incoming and domestic. “I invite local authori- ties and public bodies to submit requests for as- sistance with projects that will make a real difference, projects that will make a significant contribution to incoming tourism and domestic tourism”, said the initiative’s manager, Tourism Ministry Director- General Dani Shahar. The ministry released a list of policies for funding assistance, which includes emphasis on overnight ac- commodation expansion,

to bolster Israel’s tourism numbers. “This budget will help us meet the goal we have set ourselves: 10 million tourists a year by 2030”. That massive influx of tour- ists will greatly benefit Is- rael in a multitude of ways, explained the minister. “Tourists, who inject tens of billions of ILS into the Is- raeli economy, will provide livelihoods for many Israe- lis and create hundreds of new jobs, especially in the periphery. More tourists - less taxes”. The ministry intends to continue investing in long-term plans that will improve the tourism sec- tor in Israel, such as the expansion of the country’s hotel supply, the improve- ment in service given to tourists and the reduction of vacation costs in Israel, because, as Razvozov put it, “taking a vacation is not only for the rich”.

bike path construction and the development of Ultra-Orthodox tourism and wine tourism, besides general infrastructure im- provement in order to ac- commodate more tourists. The ministry will deter- mine its contribution to projects based on a number of criteria includ- ing their contribution to incoming tourism as well as the region’s economic development, their main- tainability, the presence of a tourist site or hotel accommodation near the project and contribution to domestic tourism. Authorities receiving aid to upgrade their locales for tourists to enjoy will have exclusive responsibil- ity for maintenance, and will be asked to carry out

all ongoing maintenance works at their expense after the project has been completed. This scale of project hasn’t been seen in Israel’s tour- ism industry for years. Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov noted that it is possible now thanks to the current government’s abil- ity to lock down a budget (a feat that the Knesset struggled with for several years prior to Bennett’s government). “After years without a state budget, the Israel Tourism Ministry is allocat- ing significant amounts of money to establish and upgrade tourism infrastructure throughout Israel,” said Razvozov. He explained that the primary goal of the initiative is

“This budget will help us meet the goal we have set ourselves: 10 million tourists a year by 2030”.

6 • www.itn.co.il

July 2022

Israel Travel News • 7

HOTELS

July 2022

New Reservation Center for the Setai Hotels, Herbert Samuel and Orchid Group The Setai Hotel Group, Herbert Samuel and Orchid, which has 13 hotels, launched a new reservation center in the center of Tel Aviv, in an accessible and convenient location The reservation center employs about 25 vacation consultants, including students, and information systems based on innovative technology, designed by interior designer Kfir Shaked, who specializes in joint work complexes (Including WeWork in Israel), which created for the employees a comfortable and relaxed work environment. The launch event, which included a mezuzah ceremony, was attended by Avi Hormaro, CEO of the Nakash Group. In Israel, his deputy – Ran Balbus, Deputy CEO of the Nakash Hotel Group – Anat Strick-Dahan, VP of Human Resources – Orit Simana and Sharon Blaish – Director of the the reservation center, the hotel managers of the center, representatives from the marketing and sales department and the vacation consultants themselves. Deputy CEO of the Nakash Hotels Group, Anat Strick-Dahan, who congratulated the center’s employees, mentioned to them the importance of first contact with the guest: “The reservations department is the heart of the company and you are the ones that meet the first potential guests, as

Acquires 15% of the holding for 88 million ILS, ie a market value of 590 after the money MENORA JOINS ISRAEL CANADA HOTELS

The hotel company has 1,100 rooms in 9 hotels and also has land to build a new hotel in Eilat, and it plans to almost double the scope of activity and build another 1,000 hotel rooms. Reuven Alex, CEO of Israel Canada Hotels: “We will continue to grow and innovate in the hotel industry in Israel and in the future in the world. Both in Israel and around the world there are unique opportunities right now. We will know how to make interesting deals as we have done so far”.

Nir Moroz, Deputy CEO and Director of Investment at Menora Mivtachim: “We see Israel Canada as a hotel in Israel, a company with high potential for value improvement and a quality management team”. Israel Canada was accompanied in the transaction by Adv. Levi Amitai, Ben Brand, Chen Shoshan and Mai Tzur from Goldfarb Seligman, and Menora Mivtachim was accompanied by Adv. Orit Israeli, Guy Cohen from Fischer.

part of the customer journey. The service experience begins with the first phone call,

and therefore, affects the satisfaction of the guest. As we enter the season, we continue to recruit staff, and those who join will enjoy excellent conditions, including parking and above all, joining a warm family”.

8 • www.itn.co.il

Your Bridge to The Holyland

Place your clients dreams, hopes and travel needs in caring hands !

With 38 years of experience in Tourism , I promise !

Joel P. Sagi

Matchless Service | Reliability & Credibility | Carefulness | Conscientious tour planning

Israel & Regional Tourism services Groups and Individuals www.monarch-israel.com 24/7 service attending your enquires | Tel: +972 5O5 333 6173 | [email protected]

Israel Travel News • 9

HOTELS

THE DAVID CITADEL’S VERANDA RESTAURANT REOPENS The David Citadel’s legendary Veranda restaurant in Jerusalem reopens to the public with an all- new fine grill concept To kick off the summer season, Veranda, the legendary in-house restaurant of The David Citadel in Jerusalem, announces its grand reopening with an all-new meat-concept restaurant that is Kosher by Rav Rubin. Located on the grandiose open-air terrace of The David Citadel with unobstructed views of the Old City of Jerusalem, Veranda is led by the hotel’s executive Chef Kfir Mysnikov and is set to become a must-visit destination for all meat enthusiasts. With a delectable array of innovative and fresh dishes, the menu includes a selection of quality cuts that are soaked, slow-cooked, smoked, and broiled, such as the Asado Beef, cooked in the restaurant’s smokehouse for 12 hours, or Lamb Shoulder, soaked in citrus brine for 48 hours before smoking in apple tree charcoal for another 12 hours. The menu also includes fish and vegetarian options. Veranda also specializes in large, sharing platters that can appease the palate of the most discerning diners, whether a group of friends or a family night out.

Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, Dan Joins the Leading Hotels of the World

Dan Tel Aviv Hotel has joined The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd., a collection of independent, luxury hotels.

W ith a more than nine-decade- long commitment to providing remarkably uncommon travel experiences, Leading Hotels only selects members that meet its high standards for quality and distinctiveness. The result is a curated portfolio of hotels united not by what makes them the same, but the details that

Omurgonulsen, Vice President of Membership, The Leading Hotels of the World. “With its prime location on the famous promenade of Tel Aviv and its new look, we are certain the Dan Tel Aviv will be in high demand by our curious travelers.” Majestically located on the Mediterranean Sea’s splendid beach, the cosmopolitan 293 room Dan Tel Aviv Hotel

make them different. “We are delighted to welcome back Dan Tel

has long been a favorite destination for visiting

international VIPs including Bill and Hilary Clinton, Paul McCartney, Madonna, The Rolling Stones, U2, Lady Gaga and many others.

Aviv to The Leading Hotels of the World following their extensive renovations that combines classic chic with a contemporary twist,” said Deniz

10 • www.itn.co.il

July 2022

May 2022

Long regarded as the Tel Aviv hotel of choice, the Dan Tel Aviv offers sea-facing or city view guestrooms and suites that have recently been renovated to embody the highest standards of luxury and service. Guests also have the choice of swimming pools, an indoor and outdoor (sea-water pool), a newly refurbished Spa, sports activities, and a fitness center. The hotel overlooks the city’s famous seafront promenade bustling with happy strollers. Heading to the north on the promenade, you will find the Tel Aviv Port – a dynamic entertainment hub with dozens of restaurants, boutiques, and art galleries. The promenade to the south will bring you to the Old City of Jaffa filled with bobbing fishing boats in an ancient harbor, a romantic artists’ quarter, and a bargain- oriented flea market. Stop in at the gentrified Neve Tzedek neighborhood, the first Jewish neighborhood to be built outside the walls of Jaffa. Explore the outdoor Eastern Carmel Market, where local vendors sell seasonal fruit and vegetables. For night owls, the Dan Tel Aviv is located in close proximity to the city’s most popular nightclubs and bars. Dan Tel Aviv is well known for its elegance, luxurious surroundings and fine cuisine and boasts a high record of returning guests,

due in part to the superior level of hospitality and individual care given to each visitor. Our guests also enjoy the rich Israeli breakfast buffet, which serves numerous local and international dishes. Café 99 recently opened in the lobby area of the hotel, serving the famous Dan Hotels breakfast, combining a variety of colors and textures. This will be the second Dan Hotel to join the LHW collection, as the King David, Jerusalem, the group’s flagship property, has been a member for several years. Dan Tel Aviv will now be

We will TARGET your tour

to meet your needs!

participating in Leading Hotels exclusive loyalty program, Leaders Club. The program amplifies relationships curated by Leading Hotels between

We also specialize in Event

and Congress Management

likeminded curious travelers and independent hoteliers. Leaders Club recognizes and rewards members for their loyalty at Leading Hotels more than 400 independent luxury hotels worldwide. Leaders Club members receive benefits such as confirmed pre-arrival upgrades, points accrual to earn free nights, opportunities for room upgrade priority at arrival, early check-in and late check- out considerations, daily continental breakfast for two, complimentary Wi- Fi, exclusive access to new hotels, Members Only and seasonal sales and lowest available rates.

Your Destination Management Service for: Professional Tours Christian Tours, Pilgrimages, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs etc. Tailor-Made Tours for FITs and Groups Corporate Incentive Programs, Family/Youth Tours Airport Transfers

Hotel Accommodation Private Driver Guides Transportation Car Rental

Contact us today to discuss your next event:

Target Conferences Ltd. 65 Derech Menachem Begin

PO Box 51227, Tel Aviv 6713818, Israel Tel: +972 3 5175150, Fax: +972 3 5175155

[email protected] www.target-conferences.com

Israel Travel News • 11

HOTELS

July 2022

10,000 APPLICATIONS were submitted for the construction of new hotel rooms in israel

Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov: “This year we broke the record for applications to open new hotels. People want to travel to Israel, and we feel it all over the world”

I sraeli Minister of Tourism, Yoel Razvozov has recently referred to the impact of theCOVID-19 on global tourism and said that “there have been two difficult years of plague, but now things seem to be getting back to normal and there is a lot of work to be done. In Israel we tried to save the industry that really collapsed, and the last one came out of the crisis. We tried to give the industry resuscitation. We encountered many obstacles, but from March we are finally open to tourism, and now there is no need for PCR tests. We invite everyone to our amazing country. Already in April, more than 200,000 tourists entered Israel and we expect that the numbers of 2022

will break the forecasts of the Ministry of Finance and professionals”. Razvozov said that this trend is also evident in business activity. “This year, we broke the record for applications to open new hotels in Israel. Over 120 applications were submitted for the construction of new hotels and another 30 extensions. This means applications for the construction of close to 10,000 new hotel rooms, 30% more than the applications submitted in 2019 ″ . According to Razvozov, this number represents an investment of more than 1.3 billion ILS in hotels in the past year. It does not surprise me, because after two years at home, people want to

travel and discover new destinations”. The tourism minister said the whole industry feels this: “Aviation, tourism organizers and guides who have finally returned to work in what they love. It’s global”.

Razvozov says that the main problems of the tourism industry need to be solved, the main one of which is the shortage of workers. “This is why the government intends to allow the entry of about 1,200 Filipino workers and 500 Jordanian workers into the Israeli hotel industry”. Also, according to Razvozov, the government has worked to reduce the levies on the employment of foreign workers and thus reduced the expenses of employers by thousands of dollars a year. He also said that the government also adjusted the kosher reform in a way that would be adapted to the tourism industry, thus leading to savings of about 100 million ILS a year”.

On the same subject, Razvozov said that the Ministry of Tourism is

making tremendous efforts to shorten the construction times of hotels in Israel in order to add hotel rooms. “It is inconceivable that today it takes almost 10 years to complete the construction of one hotel in Israel, and that too affects the price of a room at the end”. “The target is 10 million tourists entering Israel”. For this vision to be realized,

12 • www.itn.co.il

STEP OUTSIDE AND YOU'R e ALREADY AT THE city CENTER ibis jerusalem hotels

ibis Jerusalem City Center, 4 Elisar St. - Jerusalem, Israel ibis Styles Jerusalem City Center, 4 Ben Yehuda St. - Jerusalem, Israel Tel. +972 (0)73 222 88 88 | www.ibisjerusalemhotels.com | Email. [email protected]

Israel Travel News • 13

AVIATION

July 2022

A website that will group and offer the public a choice between a variety of jobs from the fields of tourism, will be published

and marketed by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Transportation

Technology Will Solve The Shortage In Tourism And Aviation Employees

T he Ministries

advertisement will include a description of the job, in which area in the country it is offered, and a reference to the employer’s website for more details. The establishment of the employment site will be accompanied by a marketing campaign, which will encourage the public to examine job offers and join an industry that has huge growth potential, especially at this time. The return of tourists to Israel, and the large congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, due to a severe

issue, which are also begging for employees. Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov: “The queues at Ben Gurion Airport, the service that is damaged in hotels and many other problems caused by the shortage of workers, require creative solutions from us. Therefore, together with my friend, the Minister of Transportation, Merav Michaeli, we are embarking

of Tourism and Transportation go

out of their way to deal with the congestion and shortage of workers in tourism and aviation and set up a dedicated website with job offers for the industry. The offices call on companies and business owners from the tourism, aviation, transportation, border controllers and other areas relevant to the tourism industry to advertise vacancies on the site to be established. The

shortage of workers, are causing damage to the quality of service and even rising prices. The Ministry of Tourism conducted a survey among hotels in Israel. In addition, the office received inquiries from companies dealing with tourism on the

on a process that will connect the public to

vacancies in tourism-related industries, such as aviation and border control”.

14 • www.itn.co.il

sarelgroup_ad3.pdf 1 25/04/2022 9:12

YOUR GATEWAY TO ISRAEL AND BEYOND

Online platform



      €    

our own hotels

C

     ‚ ƒ   „  †  ƒ‡ˆ ˆ ‰ Š ‹    Œ Š

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

real estate company

CMY

Tours & Conferences

ƒ
Ž          €

K

          

Media & Production Company

    
     
 

Conexion Travel


       

To find out more visit: WWW.SAREL.GROUP

Israel Travel News • 15

AVIATION

July 2022

Chagai Topolanski Takes Office As Israel’s Ceo Of The Airports Authority Topolanski, a reserve IDF commander, served in his last position in the army as head of the IDF (Personnel Division) and before that as deputy commander of the Air Force

Israel To Reward Airlines Flying To Ramon Airport near Eilat Procedure, which is intended to encourage airlines to arrive in Eilat, has in the past led to the opening of 17 new destinations to the city and to about 45 flights a week

Maj. Gen. Chagai Topolanski took office as the CEO of the Airports Authority. Topolanski was selected for the position by Minister Merav Michaeli after it was recommended for the position by a search committee, headed by the ministry’s director general, Michal Frank.

Every airline operating international direct flights to Ramon Airport, near Israel’s Red Sea resort city of Eilat will be awarded 60 euros (65 U.S. dollars) for each arriving passenger, the Ministry of Tourism said Monday. The reward will be offered for the flights between September 2022 and May 2023, except for two one-week Jewish holidays in October and April, the ministry said in a statement. “The procedure will bring back hundreds of thousands of tourists from abroad to Eilat in the winter”, the ministry added. In early January, Israel allowed the entry of COVID-19 vaccinated and recovered passengers, and then in early March, of all passengers including the unvaccinated. The flight procedure to Eilat has been successful over the years. The number of tourists landing in Eilat in the winter of

2019-2020 (until March 2020, with the halting of tourism following the COVID-19) reached a peak of about 150,000. The procedure, which is intended to encourage airlines to arrive in Eilat, has in the past led to the opening of 17 new destinations to the city and to about 45 flights a week. Prior to the implementation of the procedure, only about 4 flights a week landed in Eilat. Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov: “Returning tourism to Israel during the winter months, and especially to the southern and Eilat area, is an important goal of ours in the Ministry of Tourism. I see great importance in making Israel an attractive destination for tourists from all over the world. Ramon Airport will bring in a lot of money to the State of Israel and bring many places of livelihood for the residents of the south and the residents of Eilat”.

Topolanski, a reserve IDF commander, served in his last position in the army as head of the IDF (Personnel Division) and before that as chief of staff and deputy commander of the Air Force. For the past 3 years, Topolanski has served as Senior Vice President for UAVs and Strategic Issues at Elbit, and a reserve officer as an instructor at a combat flight school. Topolanski has a bachelor’s degree in economics and management from the University of Haifa and a master’s degree in military strategy from Air University in Alabama. He lives in Moshav Arugot, is married and has four children. Minister Merav Michaeli congratulated Topolanski on his election to the post and clarified that the Airports Authority is an asset that must be managed and led responsibly, professionally and creatively in the face of the many challenges and frequent changes in the industry.

16 • www.itn.co.il

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

www.imtm-telaviv.com | [email protected] | +972 3 638 4444

Israel Travel News • 17

EILAT

HOTELS & DIVING WITH SHARKS: EVERYTHING NEW IN EILAT

day of arrival and personal service. The 56 rooms of the hotel have been renovated in terms of furniture and design, most of them are called deluxe rooms with balconies but without an adjoining pool and the rest are luxurious and not cheap villas – they have an adjoining pool and a full minibar on the day of arrival. In addition, all Royal Shangri-La guests have an additional pool in a separate area near the lounge, in addition to the main pool located downstairs in the Orchid Hotel area. NOW Hotel is located at the end of the promenade of Eilat, near the Herods Hotels. The hotel opened last September and is slightly different in the Eilat landscape. We will start with the fact that it caters to adults only and continue with the design of the place reminiscent of a boutique hotel in Mykonos. The hotel has 19 rooms and suites, including rooms with private swimming pools, garden rooms and suites. There is a main pool on the restaurant floor, heated in winter, and adapted to the weather conditions, and a rooftop pool for hotel guests only and for private events. The hotel has a chef’s restaurant called MOOD and also a hot and cold alcoholic drinks bar. The restaurant is intended for hotel guests and outside guests. Hotel Soleil (Sun in French) is one of the oldest on the list but apart from the name that remains it has been completely renewed. The hotel was bought relatively recently by “Israel Canada Hotels” and has undergone a massive renovation.

A new complex of 3D movies about whales, a hotel that tries to equate a sense of paradise with private pools, a carousel show and the first selfie museum in the city and other new and renovated hotels and restaurants

E ilat has undergone quite a few upheavals in recent years and now it is raising its head and introducing a number of innovations. What is renewed in the city? The hotels. The hotels and guest rooms are undergoing processes of change that have not been seen in Eilat for years. 1,893 new hotel rooms will be added to the city in the area of the old airport and lagoon – on the north coast of the city. This is an increase of about 17% compared to the previous situation, which was constant for many years. Meanwhile, many hotels in the city have been opened in the last two years instead of old hotels or in addition. The Royal Shangri-La Hotel of the Herbert Samuel chain (Nakash Group)

is an example of one. A hotel that opened inside the area of ​the old Orchid Hotel, located on the south side of Eilat right in front of the underwater observatory (a place that has also been renewed and we will get to later). The hotel first opened in December 2019 but closed during the COVID-19 period, renovated again and reopened after the last Passover. Royal Shangri-La guests have a separate reception, where they will receive a bracelet that will buy them additional rights, such as free entry to the lounge which operates from 7:00 to 18:00 daily in an air-conditioned complex, entrance to a separate pool located up the mountain. In the rooms and villas a full minibar will be waiting for guests on the

18 • www.itn.co.il

July 2022

The underwater observatory, one of the oldest places in the city with the iconic structure on the sea that has become one of the city’s symbols, has recently been renewed with two surprising attractions in the park in the complex. One is the possibility of diving, mind you – with

and accessible way – for parents and children – about the life of whales in a variety of languages. The 360-degree film is projected on a large screen that extends over a large dome and together with 3D glasses creates a feeling that they are in the depths right

sharks . This activity will be open to the public this coming July and will allow anyone who has taken a diving course and over the age of 12 to go a few feet below the water and look at the sharks in the white of their eyes. The Aqua Dom – a new

next to these huge creatures and try to touch them or keep their faces as they approach. Another new attraction has recently opened in the city and is a kind of selfie museum. Two words that are still weird to hear together but lately it seems that every city that tries to excite the younger tourists, is opening

The hotel is located in the central hotel area of the city but at its back – in relation to the promenade. It has 73 rooms, some standard rooms and some more spacious suites. Its pool is relatively small but within five minutes you can reach one of the nearby beaches. In general, the hotel is very close to most of the main attractions in the city: restaurants, the promenade and the shops, a mall facing the sea, writers and consumers and more.

hall with a cinema hall that screens films made over nine years together with the park corresponding to the one in Eilat, which is located in Hawaii. One of the films explains in a fascinating

up such a variation. This is a complex called Dream Pic with twenty painted backdrops and three-dimensional scenery, including accessories and art details.

Enjoy Agam's Art ALSO IN ISRAEL

1977, Yaakov Agam created a room that is still on a display at the Pompidou Museum, Paris

You are invited to experience the colorful and unique art of Yaakov Agam , founder of the Kinetic Art Movement, at the largest international center for kinetic art in the world in his hometown of Rishon Lezion. Agam's interactive art engages and fascinates all ages and audiences, constantly transforming art, color and light. Perfect for families, FITs and groups. Special rates for travel agents.

Tel : 03-5555900 yama.co.il

Address: 1 Meishar St. Rishon Lezion

Opening hours: Mon, Tues, Wed 10:00-16:00 Thurs 16:00-20:00 Fri, Sat 10:00-14:30

Israel Travel News • 19

SEA OF GALILEE

THE SHORES AROUND SEA OF GALILEE WILL BE MUCH PRETTIER

T he Government approved today to assist the city of Tiberias in the development and upgrade of Yigal Alon Promenade and the coastline, as well as assistance to the city of Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee. That is after the damage of the storm that occurred on the night between May 14 and 15, 2022, on the western side of the Sea of ​Galilee with a budget investment of 87 million ILS. Prime Minister Naftali Bennett: “My government has in the past year led a large number of decisions to strengthen settlement, as well as to develop,

The Israeli government approved: 87 million ILS for

the upgrade and development of the promenade and the shoreline in Tiberias

strengthen and establish various places in the country. First, it is important for us to repair the storm damage from a few weeks ago. In addition, the development and upgrade of the promenade and the coastline will also strengthen Tiberias’s tourism, and will lead to economic leverage of businesses in the area”.

Given the importance of the main tourist assets of the city of Tiberias, a major tourist city in Israel, and against the background of the many damages caused by the storm to the promenade and coastline, the government considers it important to develop and upgrade these tourist infrastructures and promote Tiberias.

20 • www.itn.co.il

TOURISM IN ISRAEL

July 2022

Thanks To Technology: Caesarea National Park Is The First Accessible To The Blind In Israel

The Caesarea Development Company has launched an application that allows the blind to enjoy the variety of attractions located at the archeological site, as part of improving and upgrading accessibility in the port of Caesarea

A s part of efforts to port of Caesarea, which is in the northern part of the national park, the Caesarea Development Company last night launched the “Right Hear” app on the site, which allows the blind to enjoy a variety of attractions. There are more than 25,000 blind people in Israel and another 200,000 who suffer improve and upgrade accessibility at the from visual impairments, who do not receive quality visiting experiences in many public places. The innovative

travel more independently and safely without the need for explanations and / or guidance from another person – thus gaining a tour of complete independence that enriches the experience of visiting the antiquities: harbor vaults, visitor center, temple, monumental stairs, harbor observation The ancient and more.Michael Crescenti, CEO of Caesarea Development and Asset Companies, says: “The project is another tier of commitment and policy we have taken on the companies’ activities, and it is a move

that will strengthen equality and consideration in general – and those with special needs in particular”. Lior Priti, VP of Trade and Tourism Development at the Caesarea Development Company, adds: “We all enjoy traveling, celebrating and spending time. The fact that some of us are physically disabled should not detract from our ability to have the same experiences and enjoy. Through “Right Hear”, we offer people with disabilities visiting the port of Caesarea to enjoy through close guidance”.

“Right Hear” app is actually a navigation system for increasing orientation and guidance. It has been specially adapted for visitors to the port of Caesarea, which has activity and interest as a leading tourist site in Israel. The app allows access to the various attractions for the blind and visually impaired and people with visual impairments, with information available and accurate at a variety of points of interest throughout the port. The smart navigation system allows people with disabilities to

Your Private incoming office in Israel

B2B & Fit

Pilgrim

Muslim Special Tours

Jewish event Incentive & Seminar

Obrat Tours ltd is an inbound office that can manage all your very special request Tel: 03-7297330 | Email: [email protected] | www.obratours.co.il

Israel Travel News • 21

TOURISM IN ISRAEL

July 2022

A NEW ARCHEOLOGICAL MUSEUM AT THE CITY OF LOD

The “Shelby White and Leon Levy Mosaic Archaeological Center Lod” was launched in the city of Lod

T he Visitor Center presents to the public a magnificent 1700 years old mosaic, one of the most beautiful that has been unveiled, on a global scale. The opening ceremony took place today, Monday, June 27, in the presence of the donor, Ms. Shelby White, the Mayor of Lod – Yair Revivo, the Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority – Eli Eskosido and many dignitaries. After years of ‘tour’ in the most important museums in the world,

including the Metropolitan in New York, the Louvre in Paris, the Alts Museum in Berlin, the Hermitage in St. Petersburg and more, the magnificent Lod Mosaic – one of the most beautiful discoveries in Israel and around the world, which was part of the floor of a villa from the end of the 3rd century – beginning of the 4th CE, returned to Lod, and will be presented to the general public starting this summer.

22 • www.itn.co.il

into an Event Unforgettable Your Let turn US

EXPERIENCE

Conferences Events Tourism

Professional Conference Organizers Incentives, Travel & Tour Operators [email protected] www.ortra.com

Israel Travel News • 23

July 2022

T alent

T railblazer

G racious

I nspirational

G ift

I ncoming

T rustworthy

I maginative

I srael

G reeting

I nclusive

T eamwork

T raditions

G roups

G lobal

G ourmet

G uiding

G enuine

T rending

I nnovative

T op-notch

I nformative

G utsy

G enerations

T ravel

T ours

I mpressive

I dealistic

I ncentive

T imely

Israel & Global Travel

www.igt.co.il