Israel Continues to Invest in Tourism with New Attractions, Hotel Openings

Image: The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
Image: The Baha’i Gardens in Haifa. (Photo Credit: Claudette Covey)
Noreen Kompanik
by Noreen Kompanik
Last updated: 7:45 AM ET, Tue January 28, 2025

With a new ceasefire in effect, Israel is hopeful for an increase in tourism. 

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has continued to invest in and improve tourism infrastructure and supporting struggling business despite a challenging year.

“While 2024 brought historic challenges for Israel’s tourism industry, we thank those who came to visit loved ones, participate in solidarity and volunteer missions, as well as those who supported us from near and far,” said Yael Golan, Interim Tourism Commissioner to North America, Israel Ministry of Tourism. 

She added, “Our community is incredibly resilient, and the news of a ceasefire and the ongoing return of hostages continues to bring us hope for a peaceful future. Israel’s tourism infrastructure continued to move forward during these challenging times with the introduction of new hotels, restaurants and museum exhibits. Whether you are planning a visit in 2025 or in the hopeful future, Israel looks forward to welcoming you.”

Tourism Developments 

  • Delta Air Lines announced that it will resume flights between New York-JFK and Ben Gurion Airport beginning April 1, 2025.
  • Starting February 8, 2025, Israeli airline Arkia will make its first flight to the US and offer round trips from Tel Aviv to New York-JFK.
  • The Israeli Minister of Tourism (IMOT) has allocated over $60 million to support 55 public tourism infrastructure projects in 2025.
  • Digital travel authorization system ETA-IL visa requirements went into effect providing a convenient and efficient way for travelers to obtain entry permits to Israel.
  • Jerusalem Convention Bureau launched a website dedicated to meeting planners for streamlining events, conferences and conventions.

Hotel Openings and Re-Openings

  • David’s Harp Galilee Resort will officially re-open in December 2024 offering breathtaking views of the Sea of Galilee, Golan Heights and Galilee Hills.
  • The Galilion Hotel is Israel’s Hula Valley reopened on January 9, 2025 following an extensive renovation.
  • Roxon Red Sea Eilat, opening in December 2024 is an adults-only luxury experience with stunning views of the Red Mountains.
  • Upscale Gordonia Golan Beach Hotel is in the planning phase scheduled to be built on the site of the former Luna-Gal complex on the Sea of Galilee shores.
  • Two new hotels are in the planning stages at Zichron Ya’akov Wine Park.

Attractions

  • National Park updates include recent designation of new and expanded nature reserves and national parks including Berekhat Ya’ar, HaSharon, Avtach, and the Heart of Ramon Crater and the establishment of Israel’s first marine national park, Yam Caesarea.
  • Tower of David Citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is now more accessible due to the installation of ramps, elevator and tactile exhibits.
  • Almog Beach in Eilat is set to undergo expansion and will be the first southern oceanfront area to be designated as a city beach.
  • The Tel Aviv Museum of Art will soon re-open to the public.

Additionally, tour operator Birthright Israel has kicked off its winter season offering transformative journeys for participants.


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