Tourism
Found 50 recent publications

The Economic Cost of Unfriendliness: Why Tourism Needs More Than Just Revenue
A new report highlights global destinations where tourists report cold or impatient treatment, including Paris, Italy, and Germany. While local fatigue grows, tourism remains a vital economic pillar.

Arkia Cancels Direct Ho Chi Minh Route, Shifts Focus to Hanoi and Manila
Arkia has cancelled its planned direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport to Ho Chi Minh City due to low demand, while doubling Hanoi flights and launching a new Manila route.

Fattal Group Expands Athens Portfolio With New Leonardo Hotel
The Fattal Hotel Group has expanded its presence in Athens by rebranding the former Great Athens Hotel into the Leonardo Hotel Athens City Center, offering 117 rooms and a rooftop pool.

Blue Bird Airways and HaDaka HaTish'im Launch Discounted Yom Kippur Getaways
Blue Bird Airways and HaDaka HaTish'im launch discounted vacation packages to Greece and Cyprus for the long weekend before Yom Kippur, offering prices 25% lower than peak Sukkot rates.

Global Tourism Report Identifies Destinations Perceived as Unwelcoming
A recent Daily Mail report highlights Paris, Italy, Germany, South Korea, New York, and Montenegro as destinations perceived as unwelcoming, though experts note cultural differences and overtourism play a major role.

Fattal Hotel Group Expands in Athens With Second Hotel Launch
The Fattal Hotel Group has launched its second hotel in Athens, the Leonardo Hotel Athens City Center, bringing its active properties in Greece to five as part of a broader European expansion.

Carlton Tel Aviv Named Israel's Leading Hotel for 2026 at World Travel Awards
The Carlton Tel Aviv was named Israel's Leading Hotel for 2026 at the World Travel Awards in Dubai, while the David InterContinental Tel Aviv won leading conference hotel.

Jerusalem's American Colony Hotel Named Israel's Best Boutique Hotel
The historic American Colony Hotel in Jerusalem has won Israel's Leading Boutique Hotel at the 2026 World Travel Awards for the tenth time, celebrating its rich heritage and celebrity guests.

Japan to Charge Reckless Climbers for Helicopter Rescues on Mount Fuji
Japan's Yamanashi Prefecture is set to charge reckless climbers for helicopter rescues on Mount Fuji during off-season closures. The measure aims to curb dangerous hikes and ease public financial burdens.

Global Travel Scams: How Tourists Fall Prey to Airport and Street Fraud
A tourist in Santiago was scammed out of 1,500 dollars by a fraudulent taxi driver, highlighting global travel scams ranging from airport traps to digital booking fraud.

Sea of Galilee Tourism Defies Amoeba Fears With Full Holiday Occupancy
Despite reports of amoebas in the Sea of Galilee and the postponement of the annual swim, regional hotels report 99% occupancy for the holidays. Tourism leaders urge the public to visit, dismissing panic.

Why World Cities Pay Hundreds of Millions to Host Formula 1
Cities worldwide fiercely compete to host Formula 1 races, investing heavily for massive economic returns, tourism boosts, and global exposure, as seen in Madrid and Miami.

US Updates Peru Travel Advisory Amid Crime and Substance Warnings
The US updated its travel advisory for Peru, maintaining Level 2 overall but warning against travel to high-risk border and remote regions due to crime, terrorism, and dangers surrounding traditional substances like ayahuasca.

Israel Records 9.4 Million Outbound Travelers and Slow Tourism Recovery
Official data shows 9.4 million Israeli departures abroad in 2025, a 33% surge, while incoming tourism reached just 1.3 million entries, highlighting a sharp post-war travel gap.

Thailand to Shorten Tourist Visas to 30 Days and Tighten Entry Rules
Thailand is shortening its visa-free stay to 30 days starting September 15 and tightening entry rules. Meanwhile, local business competition has led to police raids on Israeli-owned businesses.

Greece for 10,000 shekels, Japan for 100 thousand: how much does a family vacation abroad cost?
A short vacation for a family of four in Greece can cost less than 10,000 shekels, a week in classic Europe already climbs to 15,000-25,000 shekels, and for a two-week trip to distant destinations like Japan or the USA, the bill can approach 100,000 shekels; flights are just the beginning - hotels, food, car, insurance, and attractions are what inflate the budget.

"Not interested in Israelis": A travel company in Thailand refused to guide a family from Israel
The travel company GreenLeaf, which operates tours in Khao Yai National Park, refused to provide service to an Israeli family, claiming that its guides are not willing to work with tourists from Israel. The mother of the family, who was planning a holiday vacation with her three children, described a feeling of insult and helplessness in the face of the surprising message she received from the...

Official: Thailand shortens visa-free entry for Israelis to 30 days
Thailand is reducing the visa-free stay period for Israeli tourists from 60 to 30 days. The new regulations take effect on September 15 and aim to balance tourism promotion with security and entry control.

Dramatic move by the Thai government: what will happen to the Israeli tourist
After months of rumors, the change in the East becomes official: starting September 15, visa-free tourist stays will be cut in half from 60 to only 30 days. All the details.

Vacation in Europe is getting more expensive: The tax you will pay in addition to the hotel price
Hotel prices in Europe are already high, but for those planning a vacation in the coming months, there is another cost to consider: more and more cities in Europe are charging a tourist tax from visitors, and in some destinations, the amounts are rising.

The generous Israeli: in a popular destination they checked who spends the most – and we are in first place
The Israeli presence in Cyprus is breaking records: last July, one in five tourists on the island was Israeli. Now it turns out that we also stand out in our wallets – with an average daily expenditure of 174.27 euros per tourist, more than any other nationality included in the reliable data published.

Ahead of the holidays: Busiest days at Ben Gurion Airport and popular destinations
The Israel Airports Authority has finalized preparations for an unprecedented wave of congestion. Over 2.5 million passengers are expected to pass through Ben Gurion Airport, tens of thousands will depart from Ramon and Haifa, and half a million will cross land borders. These are the busiest days and essential guidelines for travelers.

Starting this week: exclusive direct flights from Israel to a popular destination in Italy
Blue Bird airline is launching a direct and unique route from Ben Gurion Airport to Bologna with fares starting at 128 euros one way, with direct flights to other popular Italian destinations to be added later this month.

SUN RESORT: A luxurious vacation facing the Sea of Galilee, with privacy, quiet, and a view
The complex is suitable for guests who wish to pause their routine, get away from the daily hustle, and enjoy a high-quality vacation in a private and quiet environment. SUN RESORT includes 7 designed and spacious bedrooms and 5 bathrooms, and is suitable for hosting up to 18 guests.

Flying to Italy or Spain? The strikes that could disrupt your vacation
Those planning a vacation in Spain or Italy in the next two weeks may encounter more than just the end-of-summer rush. A series of strikes at airports, ground services, and railways is expected to make travel difficult for passengers, and in some cases, make the journey to or from the airport particularly complicated.

After the stock crash: tourism giant Issta sees 315% profit jump
Despite the turmoil experienced by Issta's stock over the last half year, the company's reports for the second quarter of 2026 show strong results alongside a new record in equity.

A bubble in the heart of Eilat: the hotel that offers a "full" vacation without all the mess
In the heart of Eilat, close to everything happening but disconnected from the hustle, the "Astral Maris" hotel manages to create a calm and intimate vacation experience. With less than a hundred rooms, you will find here all the advantages of a boutique hotel, alongside the comfort of a family hotel.

Disgust with Israelis in Thailand: Phuket residents issue a worrying demand
About 150 people participated in a protest in Patong, calling on the Thai government to limit the stay of Israeli tourists to just 15 days. This demand has gained traction in Thai media amid growing criticism regarding the behavior of some foreign tourists.

Huge honor: Kfar Masaryk won the title of "Best Tourism Village in the World" for 2026
Kfar Masaryk, the small kibbutz in the Western Galilee, will soon receive a huge honor - and is expected to receive next month the title of one of the "Best Tourism Villages in the World 2026", awarded by the UN. We arrived for a tour of one of the most surprising places in the country and discovered an inspiring history, a tourist present, and a future with quite a few dreams. After the world did...

One of 40: Which Israeli kibbutz was named a "Best Tourism Village"?
The UN World Tourism Organization is set to announce its list of top tourism destinations for 2026, featuring the Israeli kibbutz Kfar Masaryk.

Up to 30 minutes from Tel Aviv: 4 recommendations for the weekend - and one more for next weekend
A coffee cart near Modiin, a short walking trail, a kosher restaurant with a tabun oven, and a winery in a historic villa. Recommended spots in the Modiin region that remain green even in the peak of summer.

The mistake Israelis tend to make: The important warning before the flight
New data reveals that most insured individuals purchase travel insurance only in the final days. Why is this a mistake that could cost you dearly, and which destination leads in medical inquiries?

Only 10 days: The temporary trick that cuts flight prices abroad
A new study reveals an extremely short window of opportunity where flight prices to popular destinations in Europe drop by tens of percent, just before they jump again ahead of the High Holy Days.

Israeli Airline Arkia Launches 24-Hour Flash Sale with 24% Discount
Flying cheaply during the holidays: The Israeli airline is launching a special 24-hour-only sale, covering the month of September and the sought-after Tishrei holidays — starting from $170 round trip.

Only 10 days: The temporary trick that cuts flight prices abroad
A new analysis reveals a short window of opportunity where flight prices to popular European destinations drop by tens of percent before the High Holy Days.

Israelis to Reach Polls by Sea: Tour Operator Adjusts Cruise Schedules
The announcement of the Knesset election date on October 27 posed a challenge for Israelis planning autumn vacations. The Gordon Tourism Group has introduced a special solution to allow travelers to vote without canceling their trips.

Panic in Las Vegas: Will Trump's tariffs drive away tourists from Canada?
The gambling city, which was hit hard against the backdrop of economic tension between the Trump administration and Canada, is trying to lure tourists from the neighboring country back. On the agenda: various discounts, a preferred exchange rate, and special flight packages.

Yossi Fatal Steps Down as CEO After 11 Years: Successor Announced
During a challenging time for Israel's inbound tourism industry, Guy Kelner has been appointed as the new CEO of the Chamber of Inbound Tourism Organizers, succeeding Yossi Fatal, who held the position for 11 years.

Discount of up to 50%: Israeli hotel chain in an unprecedented promotion
Ahead of the upcoming Knesset elections, the Atlas boutique hotel chain is launching a special offer for Israelis arriving from abroad to vote, as well as for residents of the country. These are the dates and full conditions for receiving the significant discount.

A conveyor belt like at Ben Gurion Airport and a giant arena: multi-billion shekel plan revealed for Haifa
Haifa Municipality has unveiled an ambitious vision with an investment of up to 4 billion shekels, aiming to transform the city's entrance into a major tourist and economic hub, despite potential environmental and budgetary hurdles.

Fattal chain profits soar – but there is one figure to pay attention to
The company recorded an increase of about 17% in net profit in the second quarter, alongside significant growth in EBITDA and EBITDAR excluding exchange rate effects. However, revenues in shekels decreased due to currency effects and the security situation; the company expects revenues of 7.8–8.1 billion shekels in 2026.

Giant scam on Booking: tourists paid thousands of euros for a non-existent villa in Greece
A group of families who booked a luxury villa discovered the property does not exist and were left on the street with their children. Despite attempts to make contact, the response from the tourism giant's customer service was shocking.

The quiet revolution at Ben Gurion Airport: This is what your vacation will look like in the coming years
The world of tourism is changing from end to end: Israeli travelers are abandoning automatic choices in favor of unique experiences, alongside a technological revolution that is completely transforming how we vacation.

"They don't integrate, we ignore": The Haredi community in the Alps and the return of summer tensions
A criminal investigation condemned by the French Interior Minister and a viral incident in Les Deux Alpes have resurfaced the latent tension in the Alps. Behind the idyllic landscapes lies a persistent friction over the arrival of thousands of Haredi vacationers: locals claim they struggle to bridge cultural gaps, while tourists point to a sense of alienation, as authorities try to maneuver...

"Israel Out": A rally in Phuket against tourist behavior, primarily targeting Israelis
This coming Friday, an unusual protest rally is planned at Patong Beach, centered on a call by local residents in Phuket for foreign tourists to respect the country's laws, with explicit focus on Israeli travelers. The gathering, currently receiving hostile promotion from pro-Palestinian elements, is awaiting final approval from local police.

Everything is changing: Spain set to become the world's most visited country by 2040
According to a new study by Deloitte and Google, Spain is expected to become the world's most visited tourist destination by 2040, welcoming 110 million tourists annually. In recent years, Spain has become a favorite summer destination, particularly for British travelers, with over 19 million Britons visiting in 2025 alone. The USA is projected to be the third most visited country, followed by...

Italian con artist faked a historical site and duped thousands of tourists
For long months, crowds of tourists visiting the town of Arconiano in northern Italy heaped praise on a spectacular "Greek amphitheater" they found on a hilltop. The site received a perfect five-star rating on TripAdvisor before it was revealed to be a modern forgery.

Vacation prices for Israelis drop: packages starting at $1,343
A sharp surge in demand for vacations ahead of the High Holy Days has led to a significant expansion of flight offerings from Israel. The company "Spirit Afakot Olam" is responding by increasing flights to popular destinations: Seychelles, Mauritius, and Corfu.

Arkia treats Israelis: direct flights from Ben Gurion Airport for only $49
The Israeli airline has announced last-minute deals, allowing Israelis to enjoy flights to favorite destinations at rock-bottom prices. As part of the "Flight Market" campaign, flights to Greece and Europe are offered starting from $49 one-way.

Quiet and beautiful: Slovenia has reopened its arms to Israelis – and wants more tourists
After years of diplomatic tension, the opening of the first Israeli embassy in Ljubljana will mark a dramatic political turnaround in the heart of Europe. With a jump to fourth place in the 2026 Global Peace Index, about 18 million overnight stays, and massive investments in hospitality infrastructure, Slovenia offers a rare tourism model: maximum personal security, zero protests, and an official...