Israel Blog

Tourism to Israel is at record levels. 683,000 tourists visited Israel in January and February, up 16% from the first two months of 2018. A record 4.1 million tourists visited Israel in 2018, up 14% from 2017, which was itself a record. Globes reports that the high level of tourism to Israel is creating demand for new places to say, and hotels are doing brisk business in unusual locations. To meet the record, international chains are opening up hostels. No longer just for backpackers, the hostels are offering affordable accommodation and a chance to meet fellow travelers.

Jaffa is Tel Aviv’s unexpected luxury hotspot, says The New York Times. Just last year, the ancient neighborhood saw the opening of three high-end hotels.

In Israel’s south, the first flight landed at the new international Ramon Airport, located about 12 miles from central Eilat. Passengers have the option of getting to and from the airport and the city using shuttles, taxis and buses. Ramon Airport will be used for international and domestic flights to the south of Israel in place of existing airports in Eilat and Ovda. It will also serve as an alternative to Ben Gurion Airport in times of emergency.

​​​​​​​Eat like an Israeli

A study published in The Lancet found that Israel has the lowest rate of diet-related deaths of any country. Analysis of data from around the world shows that a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds is instrumental in avoiding diseases.

To help you plan your dining experience in Israel, Bloomberg provides a summary of the Israeli dining scene along with reviews of restaurants around Tel Aviv. Branching out around the country, The Hungry Tourist provides restaurant reviews in its Best of Israel Food Tour.

Drink like an Israeli

Wine Enthusiast magazine debunks the top 10 misconceptions about Israeli wine. There are approximately 300 wineries in Israel, each producing from just a few hundred bottles per year to over five million. Just 20% is exported. The largest export market is the U.S. The New York Jewish Week reports on innovation in the among Israeli wineries and development of new varieties of grapes.