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Israel tourism
Israelis on the beach in Tel Aviv on October 18, 2020. (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)
From the WebMay 7, 2021, 6:15 am
After virus, more UK tourists now considering Israel as a destination — poll
Survey for UK Jewish News indicates Israel only country to see an increase in those wishing to visit, with many impressed by vaccine drive
By Justin Cohen
The Daily Briefing
May 5, 2021, 2:23 pm
Daily Briefing May 5 – Lapid, Bennett… Rivlin: Who will get president’s vote?
Tune in Sunday through Thursday to hear ToI editors and reporters quickly catch you up on what’s important today
By TOI staff
Passengers walk in the arrivals hall at the Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on March 8, 2021. (Avshalom Sassoni/ Flash90)
May 5, 2021, 1:17 pm
Israel to open its borders to tour groups from 14 destinations this month
Starting May 23, tourists from US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong can visit if vaccinated
By TOI staff
Israelis enjoy the beach in Tel Aviv on a hot spring day, April 19, 2021 (Miriam Alster/FLASH90)
April 27, 2021, 7:15 pm
Israel plans to reopen to tourists in May, eyes travelers from UAE
But Health Ministry recommends program be postponed until June, citing India variant
By TOI staff
Resting from the climb after reaching the top of Tel Tzafit. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
April 24, 2021, 10:24 am
Stunning views from Goliath’s hometown show its ancient strategic importance
The rocky ascent to Tel Tzafit, thought to be the biblical city of Gath, is dotted with colorful foliage leading to a panoramic lookout over the length and breadth of the Holy Land
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
Taglit Birthright participants visit at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on August 18, 2014 (Flash90)
April 13, 2021, 3:21 pm
Israel to let tour groups in for 1st time since pandemic began, starting May 23
‘It’s time Israel’s unique advantage as a safe and healthy country starts to assist’ in the recovery of its economy, says tourism minister; PCR and antibody tests required
By TOI staff
Taglit Birthright participants visit at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on August 18, 2014 (Flash90)
April 9, 2021, 12:14 pm
Health Ministry weighing permits to allow tourist groups back into Israel
Unnamed official notes political sensitivities surrounding recognition of vaccination passes from nations using shots not approved by Israel, such as UAE’s use of Chinese doses
By TOI staff
File: View of the marina in the southern Israeli city of Eilat, December 20, 2012. (Moshe Shai/FLASH90)
March 29, 2021, 11:39 pm
Sinai crossing to open Tuesday as Israelis flock to Eilat hotels for Passover
Southern resort city returns to semblance of normalcy; Egypt destination to allow in 300 Israelis a day — with pre-travel approval and virus tests even for the vaccinated
By TOI staff
The old Turkish train station is now the center of Beersheba's Old City. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
March 27, 2021, 7:39 am
Ancient charm is revived in Beersheba’s new Old City
Artistic, cultural and commercial renewal sprout from longstanding Ottoman institutions, making biblical Abraham’s one-time hometown an oasis of tourism in the Negev Desert
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
In this June 20, 2016 file photo, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Empress of the Seas heads out of Miami Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)
March 2, 2021, 6:08 am
Royal Caribbean to launch cruise from Israel for ‘fully vaccinated’ only
‘Green Island’ cruise latest effort to open up opportunities for the vaccinated and recovered; starting in May, cruises will take travelers to Cyprus and Greece
By TOI staff
The lower trail at Beit Zayit. (Shmuel Bar-Am)
January 30, 2021, 9:09 am
A breath of fresh air: 5 invigorating nature walks to cure what ails you
When lockdown restrictions are lifted, stretch your limbs among the stunning views, sweet-smelling flowers, and lush vegetation along these free-to-access trails
By Aviva and Shmuel Bar-Am
An American tourist wearing a face mask tours at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem on February 27, 2020 (Olivier Fitoussi/Flash90)
January 1, 2021, 5:22 am
Gutted by pandemic, tourism to Israel saw 81% drop in 2020
Reviewing a year of crisis, Tourism Ministry expresses hope for spring resurgence and announces plans to revitalize the industry
By TOI staff
Bahrain's Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed R. Alzayani (R) speaks to Israeli reporters in Jerusalem on December 3, 2020 (Courtesy Bahrain NCC)
December 3, 2020, 5:56 pm
Bahrain minister says he took a stroll around Jerusalem, felt its holy ‘spirit’
Zayed Alzayani compares nighttime walk that brought him near Western Wall and Dome of the Rock to his visits to Mecca and Medina
By Raphael Ahren
Empty sun loungers on a beach near the Dead Sea hotel complex, on July 10, 2019. (Gershon Elinson/Flash90)
November 11, 2020, 11:49 pm
Eilat, Dead Sea to become ‘tourist islands’ after Knesset green lights plan
Legislation allowing hotels to open passes despite warning from health officials that rapid testing necessary for keeping areas virus-free won’t be ready for several more days
By TOI staff
People enjoy the beach in the resort city of Eilat, on November 6, 2020. (Yossi Aloni/Flash90)
November 10, 2020, 4:45 pm
MKs gives initial okay to bill for Eilat, Dead Sea ‘tourist islands’
A day after legislation is pulled by health minister, Knesset votes for 1st reading of proposal to soften restrictions; lawmakers say they will tackle opening more later
By Stuart Winer and TOI staff
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Experience Israel like never before

Millions of people planned to come to Israel this year but were forced to cancel due to the pandemic. This is disappointing for them − and downright disastrous for the Israeli tourism industry.

Here’s your chance to both experience Israel in a powerful way and support Israeli tour guides during this challenging period. 

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