Jerusalem city. Travel Pulse
Israel has seen a modest rise in tourist arrivals, with numbers increasing by 35.7% in July 2024, marking a 5.7% uptick from June. Despite the ongoing conflict in Gaza, the country's tourism sector continues to show resilience. The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) reported these figures, acknowledging that although the visitor count is still far lower than before the October 7 events, the industry is finding ways to adapt and grow.
To support workers in the tourism sector affected by the downturn, IMOT has established financial assistance guidelines. Under these rules, employees of tourism companies who were hired before October 7 can receive wage support if their income has dropped significantly compared to previous years. This initiative is meant to help stabilize the sector as it faces ongoing challenges.
Chad Martin, director of the Northeast region for IMOT, emphasized that tourists continue to visit Israel for various reasons, including to see loved ones, volunteer, or simply experience the country’s attractions. "The fact that new hotels, restaurants, and attractions are still opening highlights Israel’s enduring spirit," Martin said.
Among the new openings, Tel Aviv welcomed the adults-only Play Levontin Hotel in July. This 34-room property offers unique amenities such as a spa, a private cinema, and an innovative restaurant and club concept named "Gila & Nancy," led by Michelin-star chef Eyal Shani. The restaurant honours transgender rights activists Gila Goldstein and Nancy Schneider, known for their advocacy work.
In Haifa, the Crowne Plaza Haifa has enhanced its facilities with a new spa featuring a jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and various massage treatments, all with a view of the stunning Bahá’í Gardens and Haifa Bay. Meanwhile, in Hod HaSharon, chef Daniel Shalit has opened Benjamin, a bistro-style restaurant offering affordable Israeli cuisine. The restaurant also features "Benjamin’s Window" for takeout meals.
Jerusalem, too, has seen the launch of exciting attractions. The Infinity Museum, a 19,000-square-foot immersive art space, opened in August and offers visitors a sensory experience through light, sound, and visual art across eight rooms, including interactive exhibits like the Space of Kinetic Spheres and the Mirrors and Music Space. The city also debuted a new suspension bridge in the Jerusalem Walls National Park, connecting the slopes of Hinnom Valley to Mount Zion. The bridge provides panoramic views and links historic parts of the city, enhancing the visitor experience.
Further south, the Dome Expo Dead Sea, which opened in August, is a massive venue capable of hosting up to 5,000 people. It’s designed for large-scale events, from conferences to international festivals. The venue’s highlight is its 75-foot-high inflatable dome, which doubles as a high-tech projection screen, making it an ideal space for art installations and concerts.
