Until a few years ago, Haifa was perhaps Israel’s most underrated city. Written off as a sleepy, elderly place that’s not as cool as Tel Aviv or as special as Jerusalem, it passed under the radar. What a mistake. Earlier this year, the Seatrade Cruise Awards competition nominated Haifa as one of the three outstanding cruise destinations worldwide for 2023. Some 250,000 tourists are expected to arrive through the port this year alone – in contrast to 2018 when just 28,000 tourists arrived there by ship. Haifa has loads going for it: it is the center of real, everyday coexistence in Israel, it h ..read more

Travelier, an Israeli travel-tech company digitizing land and sea transportation, has fully acquired Brazilian online bus ticket platform DeÔnibus. The bus travel market in Brazil is one of the largest in the world, generating more than $2 billion in annual revenue. Yet only 30 percent of bus tickets in Brazil are purchased through online channels. This untapped potential fuels Travelier’s vision to capture a dominant market share in Latin America. The Ramat Gan-based company’s network of digital platforms allows customers to buy intercity tickets to ferries, buses and trains in local markets ..read more

Israel’s ‘Ubeidiya National Park, a globally recognized archeological site nestled in the Jordan Valley dating back a staggering 1.6 million years, was unveiled to the public this month, offering a glimpse of the world as it was when humankind took its earliest footsteps outside of Africa. “This is a red-letter day for prehistory,” explained Israel Antiquities Authority Director Eli Escusido. “Every year, the Israel Antiquities Authority develops tens of archeological sites, making them accessible to the public. But ‘Ubeidiya is unique: This is a prehistoric site of inestimable scientific impo ..read more

Nahal HaShofet (“Judge’s Stream”), tucked away within Ramat Menashe Park in northwest Israel, has recently reopened its gates to visitors following extensive reconstruction.  This scenic natural spring — known for its human-planted forests, oak groves and tranquil streams — suffered damage to infrastructure and amenities in 2020 due to flooding. A glimpse of the flooding that overtook Nahal HaShofet in 2020. Photo by KKL-JNF Taking advantage of this unfortunate situation, the Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael – Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) launched a series of comprehensive revitalization efforts ..read more

Nestled in the heart of Jerusalem, the Israel Museum stands as a beacon of cultural heritage, housing some of the most significant ancient treasures that shed light on millennia of human history.  Among its vast collection are artifacts that stand out for their historical, archeological and cultural significance. Preserving and showcasing these ancient treasures not only enriches our understanding of the past but also serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of human civilization.  If you’re planning a trip to the museum, make sure you check out these 10 items recommended by the ..read more

Air travel to Israel was considerably muddied up by the tragic events of October 7 and the subsequent war in Gaza. Following Hamas’ shock attack in Southern Israel, international airlines around the world temporarily halted their routes to Israel, leaving a surprising lack of options for those wishing to make their way in and out of the country. With Delta announcing that it will be resuming its New York to Tel Aviv flight route on June 7 following “an extensive security risk assessment by the airline,” prospective travelers may want to know what other airlines are also planning their returns ..read more

A Jaffa boutique hotel, The Drisco, and its onsite restaurant, George & John, are the first Israeli establishments to be admitted to the Relais & Châteaux association that bands together luxury hospitality properties and top-end restaurants from around the world. “Finally, there is a place in Israel which adheres to our hospitality culture and a chef which serves gourmet food, while promoting seasonality, localism, and creativity,” says Relais & Châteaux president Laurent Gardinier. “It is about time that our organization will include representation from this area, and this makes u ..read more

Historically, the Tower of David at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem served as an imposing city fortress.  Nowadays, the still-imposing fortress has a much more welcoming role as the gateway between the modern city to its west and the most coveted ancient city in the world to its east. The interplay between modern and ancient recently got an upgrade in the form of the new, sleek Angelina Drahi Entrance Pavilion to the Tower of David Museum showcasing the history of the city.  The Tower of David at the entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem brings the ancient and new parts of ..read more

The city of Jerusalem debuted its new laser light show on March 18, blending sound and color in a celebration of its rich history. The initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage, aims to provide an immersive experience highlighting the city’s heritage and aspirations for peace. The show takes place along the Tower of David promenade, offering spectators a panoramic view of Jerusalem’s iconic landmarks. Through music and visuals, the show tells the story of Jerusalem’s cultural tapestry and the shared values that unite its communities. Minister ..read more

Four months into the war between Israel and Hamas, it might seem at first glance that everything here is more or less back to normal. People are out and about, restaurants are packed, shops are busy and, tfu tfu, schools are back in operation. But beyond this façade of normality is an Israel completely different than the one before the deadly attacks on October 7.  While tourism was more or less wiped out in the last three months of 2023, after the war broke out – just 180,000 people visited the country, compared to an expected 900,000 according to Ministry of Tourism statistics – it is b ..read more