Travel to Israel is up. According to Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics, tourist entries from January to June 2018 increased 19 percent over the same period the previous year, rising from 1.74 to 2.1 million. The Israeli Ministry of Tourism cited this as providing NIS 12 billion (approximately $3.3 billion) to the country’s economy. The United States ranked as the largest source country, bringing 470,200 tourist entries.
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism, noting the record six months for tourism, outlined the newest hotels and activities for travelers visiting Israel this year. Here's what's on tap:
Following millions of dollars in investment and over a decade of work, The Drisco began welcoming guests this June. Located near the beaches in Tel Aviv, the upscale property offers quick access to Jaffa’s flea market Neve Tzedek and Old Jaffa.
Brown Hotels will open the second in a new line of properties, The Dave South, in September. Following The Dave West, this new hotel will provide a boutique option for young people looking to visit the Nahalat Binyamin area in Tel Aviv. During the summer, the property will host limited-time pop-ups offering haircuts, tattoos and more.
A block away from Tel Aviv’s beaches, the Lighthouse Hotel will open July 2018. The property, also owned by Brown Hotels, will feature a wellness center and a rooftop garden and bar. The hotel will add two outdoor pools by summer 2020.
In August 2018 The Setai-Sea of Galilee will introduce 47 new “Kinneret Villas” in addition to the 110 villas and suites it opened with. Each standalone accommodation will include a private garden and infinity pool. The luxury spa resort is located on the shore of the Sea of Galilee.
The country’s Ministry of Tourism highlighted several events that it said were sure to attract visitors. The Jerusalem Beer Festival will host over 120 different beers from around the world August 29 and 30. Opening April 2019, Jerusalem’s Israel Museum will feature the Fashion Statements exhibit, showcasing Israeli fashion design.
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