Israel expects a record high number of tourist visits this year. Flights to Israel between January – May are up 4% on the previous record with 9.2 million travelers so far. Israel tourism officials expect 2.2 million arrivals this month. By the year-end Israel tourism officials forecasts surpassing the record of 25 million visitors in 2019. The Abraham Accords have led to direct flights from the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco for the first time. Also, the end of the no-fly zone over Saudi Arabia has led to more convenient flight options. Miri Regev, Israel’s Transport Minister recently announced there will be 13 new flight routes to and from Israel this summer. This follows the introduction of flights from Turkiye, Tokyo, Dublin, Nigeria and Cape Town. Turkifye flights so far in June represent 15% of all bookings. Greece, the US, Italy and Cyprus are also top source markets.

Israel tourism has launched a new advertising campaign promoting the destination to the UK, Europe and the US. Targeting key online platforms, the campaign's 'digital first' strategy is focused on Israel's individuality as a destination. Israel's Ministry of Tourism is showcasing the country's diversity, contrasts, history, and people. The campaign video highlights lesser known activities available. It will involve an 'always-on' online presence throughout the year as data shows consumers are booking holidays all-year-round. In addition, Israel tourism will launch £280,000 worth of outdoor advertising in London between February and March 2023. This hopes to capture searches for spring and summer holiday bookings.

 Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is tackling industry shortages head on Alongside the Ministry of Transport, it is creating a dedicated website advertising jobs in the tourism-related industries. The ministries called on business owners working in tourism, aviation, transport, border control and other areas to publish their vacancies on the website. The website will publish a description of the position, the area in the country in which it is offered and will include a link to the employer’s website for more details. Alongside the creation of the employment website, a marketing campaign will encourage the public to consider the job offers and join an industry with a huge growth potential, especially at this time. The return of foreign tourists and the huge congestion at Ben Gurion Airport, against a backdrop of a severe shortage of employees, is affecting the quality of service. In a survey carried out by the Ministry of Tourism among hotels in Israel, many of them expressed interest in assistance in recruiting employees for a variety of jobs via a dedicated website. The ministry has also received enquiries from companies in the tourism sector who are suffering from a shortage of employees. Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov said: “The lines in Ben Gurion Airport, and the standard of service in hotels that has been affected, demands creative solutions.” “We are embarking on a process that will connect the public to vacant jobs in tourism-related industries, such as aviation and border control.”

  Where else can you have fun in the sun, enjoy a world-class culture scene and step into events that have driven human history?   Tel Aviv, a bustling a highly modern metropolis, boasts beaches with fine golden sand, a hip atmosphere and ample opportunities for fun infused with authentic Middle Eastern flavor, not to mention great food and coffee. Just forty minutes away, experience an entirely different beat and pulse: Jerusalem, a city of such unparalleled beauty, it will be easy to understand why for millennia it has been so inspirational for so many.   While both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are two busy, vital and intriguing cities that offer a multitude of must-see attractions, they couldn’t be more different. Despite their geographic proximity, they have entirely different landscapes, scents and flavors. Where else could you so easily combine the ultimate beach destination with one of the most ancient and holiest cities in history?   So here’s a sample menu of what you can do on a vacation in both cities.   So you’ve landed in Tel Aviv… Experience all the excitement the first Hebrew city dishes up. Discover the stunning azure hues of the Mediterranean, the quaint spots in the White City, its markets, restaurants, special flavors and scintillating night life. Catch a few waves and see exactly why Tel Aviv is known as the non-stop city, living and breathing vitality, 24 hours a day.   So let’s go.   Neve Tzedek   Discover the magic of this spectacular and beautifully renovated neighborhood, located on the southern end of the Tel Aviv Promenade, next to Jaffa. Start your morning with a culinary experience that includes a typical Israeli breakfast: delicious baked goods, eggs, cheeses and dips, green salad or chopped salad, orange juice and, of course, excellent coffee. The recommended tour of Neve Zedek takes you to historical landmarks and small, wonderful museums.   Hatachana   After recharging, go visit Hatachana, which is close by. There you can visit renovated Templar buildings, as well as Jaffa’s old train station, completely redone. The site tells the tale of the train station, with its Jaffa-Jerusalem line, that operated here from 1892-1948.   Jaffa   Next, take a walk along the stunning Tel Aviv beach promenade to Jaffa. We recommend visiting Jaffa Port, considered to be one of the world’s most ancient ports. Lounge at one of the many cafes that dot the wharf, and watch the fisherman at work. Then, continue towards the colorful flea market, where you can treat yourself to a vintage item, Armenian ceramics, a hamsa or any of a multitude of souvenirs. At night, the area transforms itself into a hopping bar and restaurant scene.     Pedal down the beach   Tel Aviv is known as Israel’s bicycle capital. On a nice day, those of you with a sporty spirit can rent a bike at a one of the Tel-O-Fun stations or any other rental spot around town. Biking from Neve Zedek to Tel Baruch beach in the northern part of the city is a phenomenally fun experience.   Eretz Israel Museum   If you find yourself in the northern section of town, we suggest you visit the Eretz Israel Museum. It is a multidisciplinary museum that focuses on the history and culture of Israel through permanent and temporary exhibits dedicated to archeology, ethnography, post and philately, folklore, Judaica, traditional crafts, popular art, cultural history and local identity.   Rothschild Boulevard   Looking for an inviting location where you can enjoy a great meal? Try eating at one of the fine restaurants on or around Rothschild Boulevard, right in the heart of the city, it is one of the three zones that make up the White City, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. This street, which perfectly defines the essence of Tel Aviv, offers you a prime opportunity for people watching. You can also take a stroll and take in the impressive Bauhaus architecture, the old kiosk and the small museums that relate the fascinating story of Tel Aviv and its first neighborhood, Ahuzat Bayit.   Nightlife   If you plan on staying in the city, you can opt to take a room at one of the big hotels located on the beach, near the promenade, or at one of the lovely boutique hotels. And if you’re still energized and raring to go, now’s the time to enjoy yourself at one of the popular bars, nightclubs, the Opera House, a dance performance or any of the many events and festivals in Tel Aviv.   Done sampling the good life in Tel Aviv? Now enjoy the best of both worlds by heading out to Jerusalem. It’s only 40 minutes away! The Holy City awaits you!   Jerusalem – the world’s most beautiful city   Discover the city most sacred to three religions: Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Visit the historic sites, breathe in the dizzying scents, taste the special dishes, inhale the clean mountain air and have fun at the many entertainment hot spots around the city.   Ein Kerem   Even before reaching the city, you can visit the picturesque neighborhood of Ein Kerem. Just a 20-minute drive from the city center, it is known for its idyllic character. Nestled in greenery, Ein Kerem brings you breathtaking views, charming stone houses, churches and mosques, fascinating historical sites, enchanting alleys, galleries and special boutique shops, cafes and fine restaurants, as well as exquisite hotels, both old and new.   Bloomfield Science Museum   Jerusalem’s science museum is a magical kingdom for adults and children alike, filled with moving objects, optical illusions, electrical experiments and everything that has made our world a user-friendly place.   The Old City   At the top of any Jerusalem itinerary! The Old City of Jerusalem is, simply put, an ancient treasure trove of discovery and delight. The true essence of Jerusalem is hidden in the narrow, winding alleyways of the Old City: the special atmosphere, fascinating history and secrets are revealed among its ancient stones. Visit the Western Wall to be moved by the sanctity of the remains of the Temple and to place a note with a request to the Holy One between the stones.   Follow in the footsteps of Jesus, down the Via Dolorosa, to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre – home to the two holiest sites of Christianity: the site where Jesus of Nazareth was crucified and the empty tomb, from which he is believed to have resurrected. Continue to Mount Zion, where you can visit the Cenacle (also known as the Upper Room), traditionally held to be the site of the Last Supper. Then, as Jesus did frequently, visit the Mount of Olives for a moment of meditation at Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed and his disciples slept the night before the crucifixion. And, ascend to the rooftop of the Austrian Hospice of the Holy Family for a truly magnificent view of Jerusalem and the Old City.   To immerse you even deeper into the roots of ancient Jerusalem, tour the Western Wall tunnels, visit the Dome of the Rock, the holy site where Muhammad is believed to have ascended to Heaven, and the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, home to one of the most beautiful organs in Israel.       Machane Yehuda Market   You’ve been busy today. Starting to feel hungry? Now you can visit Machane Yehuda Market – Jerusalem’s bustling and vibrant open air market. Alongside the market’s well-known stands, many cafes and upscale food shops have sprung up in recent years.   Shopping in Jerusalem   Ready for some shopping and souvenirs? Buy Armenian ceramics or Judaica in the special and beautiful stores in the Old City. You will also find stores selling a plethora of souvenirs from Israel in the city center. You’ll find numerous clothing stores located on the Ben-Yehuda Promenade. And don’t forget to check out the second hand shops if you want to purchase something a little more authentic. What’s more, don’t miss a visit to the upscale Mamila mall, considered one of the city’s most active shopping centers.   So diverse, so distinct and any yet just a short commute apart, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv make the perfect destination package. Together, they bring you history and modernity, ancient artifacts and modern arts, fun in the sun and the most spiritual journey of your life. It doesn’t get any better than that! So what are you waiting for? Book your vacation now!

Travellers to Israel will no longer have to take an airport PCR test upon arrival Israel from May 21. A pre-travel negative test result is also not required. It applies to all land and sea crossings. Travellers must still fill out a health declaration form within 48 hours of flying. Currently, arrivals at Ben Gurion Airport must take a test and isolate for 24 hours until they get the test results. The latest change sees the removal of all Covid-19 entry requirements.  

The Israel Government Tourist Office has unveiled its first post-pandemic online advertising campaign. It highlights two-centre holidays with ‘Tel Aviv & Jerusalem - Two Cities One Break.’ Launching from the start of May, the £2m campaign showcases Israel’s two leading cities, and the best sites that can be explored in each area. The campaign spotlights Tel Aviv’s buzzing nightlife scene, boutiques and culinary options, positioning it as the cosmopolitan hub of Israel. Just an hour from Tel Aviv, the ad underlines Jerusalem’s religious and historical significance with sites including the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Tower of David. Sharon Ehrlich Bershadsky, Director, Israel Government Tourist office in London said: "We’re pleased to launch our new online advertising campaign spreading the news that Israel has opened to foreign travellers.” “We look forward to welcoming visitors to experience our incredible country once.” The new video will be promoted in the USA, UK, France, Germany and Italy across multiple platforms including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

Following approval to re-open Israel to vaccinated incoming tourists, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has launched a dedicated mini-site on its website. The mini-site incorporates all the necessary information related to local Covid guidelines that a vaccinated/recovered tourist would need to visit to Israel. The mini-site, which will be updated in accordance with any future changes in regulations, is currently in English and will be translated to other languages in the near future. Information includes Planning Your Trip (definition of vaccinated and recovered tourist, list of approved vaccines and required documentation for entry into Israel); During Your Stay (where/how to get Covid testing) and Before You Leave (requirements for testing and documentation). The mini-site also includes links to related information at the Israel Ministry of Health and the Home Front Command websites. The Covid-19 pandemic decimated Israel's tourism industry, with the closure of all incoming tourism in March 2020, and continued uncertainty after a consistent period of increasing growth. It was a record year in 2019 for incoming tourism to Israel, with 4.55 million tourists (11% increase on the previous year) and revenue of NIS 23 billion. Incoming tourism plunged to just 832,500 tourist arrivals in 2020 and 401,500 in 2021. In Israel, the Ministry of Tourism has made significant investments in maintaining and upgrading tourism infrastructure throughout the country, so that tourists can again enjoy its historical, religious, cultural and tourist sites.