Society

Starting at 100,000 euros per week: Hotel chain launches a private luxury yacht
The Israeli luxury hotel chain Gordonia is expanding its operations and entering the luxury cruise sector. The move is intended to meet the growing global demand for private and personalized luxury vacations in the Mediterranean basin.

First after the Israeli ones: Greek Blue Bird rose to fourth place at Ben Gurion Airport
In July, Blue Bird Airways recorded a 7.5% market share at Ben Gurion Airport, transporting 173,100 passengers. This achievement places the airline in fourth position, following El Al, Israir, and Arkia.

Revolution at Terminal 3: New VIP Lounge Opens at Ben Gurion Airport
At a festive event held at Ben Gurion Airport, the new VIP lounge in Terminal 3 was officially launched, operated by Jetex and the Layam company, owned by Teddy Sagi.

Aviation giant brings good news to travelers: four new destinations launched from Ben Gurion Airport
The airline Blue Bird Airways is expanding its operations in Israel ahead of the autumn season and the holidays, offering flights at particularly competitive prices to the most beloved vacation destination for Israelis.

New Hotel to Be Built in Israel: Fattal Chain Invests in the Dead Sea
One of the region's oldest hotels has been demolished to make way for a desert lifestyle resort. The project will feature a unique water park and an advanced wellness complex, aiming to attract a new demographic to the Dead Sea.
The summer travel series by Maariv and the Israel Nature and Parks Authority: a new interactive game
Mysteries in Time - a new interactive game for the whole family operating in 15 national parks and nature reserves. In August, Maariv and the Nature and Parks Authority present the innovations you didn't know about in popular and forgotten nature reserves and national parks. Second article in the series.

"Death to the IDF": Hate graffiti in a destination flooded with Israelis this summer
Against the backdrop of a wave of pro-Palestinian protests across Greece, a harsh graffiti inscription against the IDF and in favor of "Palestinian resistance" was documented in Heraklion, Crete. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on Israelis in the country to be vigilant, conceal national symbols, and stay away from gatherings.

$1,600 to Amsterdam: Foreign companies return to Ben Gurion Airport, prices are not yet dropping
Foreign airlines have begun to return to operations in Israel one after another - from the Swiss SWISS, to the aviation giant KLM which will return at the end of the month, and the American United and Delta in September. How many weekly flights will operate and why do experts think that prices will only start to drop in the long term?

Unusual incident on Arkia flight: passenger snuck onto the plane, flight returned to the tarmac
The incident that took place this past weekend at Amsterdam Airport managed to cause great concern in the aviation world, as it raises the question of how a passenger could board the wrong plane. Following this saga, a technical malfunction was also discovered on the plane.

A surprise for those flying from Ben Gurion Airport: how to enter any lounge for free starting today
The ONE ZERO bank is expanding its benefits package for those flying abroad and offering free access to lounges in Israel and around the world, but the service is conditional on meeting specific monthly credit card usage requirements.

Surprise at Ben Gurion Airport: The Luxury of Abu Dhabi Arrives at Terminal 3
The operator of luxury lounges in over 40 destinations worldwide is launching a new VIP lounge at Ben Gurion Airport together with LAYAM, featuring a menu by chef Eitan Mizrahi, desserts by Dudu Otmazgin, and services for passengers. Who will be able to enter for free?

El Al launches a new route to a destination very popular with Israelis — for only $299
The subsidiary Sun d'Or is launching a direct flight route to a sought-after destination in northern Italy, which will also serve as a starting point for popular ski resorts, and is offering tickets at special introductory prices.

Ahead of the Tishrei holidays: These are the destinations Israelis are storming
Israelis are flooding the airport in droves on their way to summer and holiday vacations, with one of the most popular destinations in Europe recording an unprecedented jump in demand compared to last year.

We used to pay for a good hotel — today we pay for the right to cancel it
Wars, flight cancellations, fires, and heatwaves are making vacations a product that is harder to commit to months in advance. The result is a shift in booking habits: more last-minute decisions, closer destinations, more expensive insurance, and an extra premium for the option to change plans. In such a world, the cheapest room or ticket is no longer necessarily the best deal.

1.3 million Israelis flew abroad: this is the destination that took first place
Data from the Central Bureau of Statistics reveals an incredible 26% increase in departures abroad in the summer of 2026. Which destination overtook Athens, where was the craziest surge recorded, and what is the staggering gap compared to tourists entering Israel?

Tourism is recovering: a jump of 28.6% in tourist entries to Israel in July
The Central Bureau of Statistics reports a rise in incoming tourism for July 2026. Despite this positive trend, the industry remains far from full recovery.

Arkia Cuts Prices: 15% Discount on Vacation Packages for Summer and Tishrei Holidays
Arkia airline is launching a special promotion, offering a 15% discount on vacation packages for August and the Tishrei holidays. The limited-time offer includes the most popular destinations, including Greece, Cyprus, London, and Thailand.

After the summer: 7 destinations to think twice about before visiting
Closed trails, changes in tax laws, and restrictions due to tourist crowds could ruin the vacation you've been planning for a long time. These are the destinations that tourism experts recommend checking carefully before booking.

Arrived to pick up a passenger at Ben Gurion Airport? Prepare to wait for a shuttle
The Israel Airports Authority reports peak congestion at Ben Gurion Airport parking lots. With short-term spaces filling up rapidly, drivers are increasingly redirected to distant lots requiring shuttle transfers.

Bad news for travelers: The popular Indian village closes its gates to tourists
After the village of Swala became the star of numerous social media videos, authorities decided to put an end to the rumors. The move comes in response to the village becoming a "hot trend" among influencers and content creators hunting for supernatural phenomena.

European Trend: Gifts and Discounts for Good Vacation Behavior
Overtourism has prompted popular destinations to shift their strategy. Instead of fines, European cities are implementing reward systems where eco-friendly tourist habits are converted into free meals, museum tickets, and discounts.

Drama in India: Plane dived 100 meters, pilot failed drug test
An Air India captain will undergo further testing after the aircraft he was piloting during a flight from Phuket suddenly lost altitude. The Indian aviation authority has classified the event as a "serious incident."

Celebration at Ben Gurion Airport: Aviation giant from the USA returns to Israel — only $1500
The past weekend brought a series of good news for vacationers in Israel with the announcement of the return of several aviation giants. Beyond the optimism in the aviation situation, the return of the companies will bring competition and cause prices to drop.

The revolution of Rami Levy and Israir: a new direct flight route from Ben Gurion Airport
The airline Israir, owned by the businessman, announces a highly sought-after European destination to which it will fly three times a week, with round-trip ticket prices starting at $340.

Arkia breaks the market: flights from Ben Gurion Airport for only 159 shekels
The Israeli airline surprises passengers and offers discounted tickets even on weekends, but who is the main target audience that will receive this special benefit and what are the conditions for receiving it?

Not Always Docked at the Pier: What Happens When a Cruise Ship Stays in the Open Sea
What causes a cruise ship to stop far from the shore, how do you get to land, and why is it important to check this before booking your cruise?

Air Canada postpones return to Israel again: flights canceled until January 2027
Air Canada has extended the cancellation of its flights to Israel until mid-January 2027. The planned resumption of service at Ben Gurion Airport, originally set for October 2026, has been postponed again, leaving Israel without direct air links to Canada.

Unusual footage: Late for a flight and ran after the plane with a carry-on
In heels, with a carry-on, and with no intention of giving up: two women who were late for an Aeroflot flight in Russia went out onto the tarmac in an attempt to catch the plane that had already been towed from the gate. Ground crews were forced to stop the operation, and police were called to the scene. How did the chase end?

Good news at Ben Gurion Airport: European airline returns to Israel this week
The month of August began with happy news for thousands of Israelis with the return of various aviation giants. Over the weekend, several companies announced their return to Israel, which will expand competition for the Tishrei holiday vacations.

"What we did here is nothing less than a revolution for the Israeli customer"
Roni Aloni, CEO of Leonardo and Fattal hotels in the Mediterranean basin, marks Fattal's next target - luxury resorts, adults-only hotels, and expansion into Greece, Cyprus, Montenegro, Croatia, and Albania. After turning Cyprus into a sought-after destination, he talks about the revolution in Israeli tourism and the vision ahead: "There is no limit to what can be achieved."

10 Critical Mistakes That Will Ruin Your Trip to Thailand
Thailand is a popular and accessible destination, but traveler complacency often leads to serious consequences. Here are ten common mistakes that could cost you your health and money, along with tips on how to avoid them.

As far as you can go: The family offering housing and living on a remote island in New Zealand
A family living on Great Barrier Island in New Zealand is seeking help with household chores. This is a unique opportunity for those dreaming of escaping the office routine for a life in harmony with nature.

New regulation threatens to turn flight booking into a nightmare
Buying a flight ticket online may soon become a much more confusing task. A new proposal by the Donald Trump administration and the US Department of Transportation seeks to change the rules by which airlines present flight prices to the public, as reported on Friday by CBS.

United Airlines Returns to Israel: Two Daily Flights and Expanding Air Traffic
Dutch airline KLM will resume service to Amsterdam on August 25. United Airlines returns in September with two daily flights to Newark, Israir is preparing for New York flights, and Lufthansa Group will reach up to 67 weekly flights ahead of the holidays.

European aviation giant returns to Israel: KLM resumes flights
Dutch airline KLM, which suspended operations in March, is returning to the Israeli market. Flights between Amsterdam and Tel Aviv will resume on August 25.

Israeli-owned airline on the way to a revolution: here is the dramatic change
The Flyyo airline, owned by the Mayberg family, is preparing for its biggest move since its acquisition and is embarking on a new path in Europe that will also directly affect passengers in Israel.

Competition on the New York route heats up: Israir received approval ahead of flights to the USA
The airline received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority and authorization from the US Department of Transportation, and is now waiting only for the approval of the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be able to operate flights to New York. Also: The Strauss Group is launching an initiative inviting Israelis to discover the North through trips. Events and appointments.

Rami Levy and Israir break a new record at Ben Gurion Airport and reveal a new route
The airline owned by the businessman has recorded a historic peak day in its history, while simultaneously preparing for a significant expansion with the introduction of two new aircraft for long-haul flights to New York.

New Security Standards: Thailand to Open Checked Luggage Without Passenger Consent
The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has announced that starting October 16, security personnel will be authorized to open suspicious checked luggage without the owner's presence to prevent flight delays. Travelers are strongly advised to use TSA-approved locks to avoid potential damage.

Neither New York nor Paris: This is the preferred destination for Israelis this summer
The Israel Airports Authority has released July data showing a rapid recovery in passenger traffic at Ben Gurion Airport, with a sharp increase in flight volumes compared to last year.