Hotels, Restaurants, Attractions Open in Israel Amid Modest Arrivals Jump

Jerusalem, Israel – Photo credit: Claudette Covey

Israel’s visitors arrivals’ numbers rose to 35.7 percent in July 2024, which represents a 5.7 percent increase over June figures –  despite the ongoing war in Gaza, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) said.

While the numbers pale in comparison to those the country garnered prior to October 7, that hasn’t stanched the debut of new hotels, restaurants and attractions. 

Furthermore, to help “residents working within the tourism sector, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has established guidelines for the financial support of essential employees within the tourism industry for the remainder 2024,” the IMOT said.

“Under these guidelines, employees of tourism organizers who were employed prior to the events of Oct. 7 can receive wage assistance if their income has significantly declined compared with previous years.”

“Although the tourism industry in Israel – and the entire country – have faced tremendous challenges since the events of Oct. 7, many tourists are coming to Israel to visit friends, family, to volunteer, or to simply experience the many incredible things the country has to offer right now,” said Chad Martin, director, Northeast region, Israel Ministry of Tourism.

“Seeing new hotels, restaurants and attractions opening even now, shows the true nature of Israel’s spirit.”

Hotels, Restaurants

The adults-only Play Levontin Hotel made its debut in Tel Aviv in July. The 34-room property features a spa, private cinema and new restaurant and club concept – Gila & Nancy by Michelin-star chef Eyal Shani.

The restaurant and club’s name pays tribute to transgender women Gila Goldstein and Nancy Schneider, who spent their lives advocating for LGTBQ+ rights.

The Crowne Plaza Haifa, which overlooks the spectacular Baháʼí Gardens and Haifa Bay, added a spa with a jacuzzi, indoor pool, sauna, steam room and treatment rooms, where a variety of massages are offered.

In Hod HaSharon, chef Daniel Shalit is heading up the new Benjamin restaurant, which focuses on affordable Israeli, bistro-style cuisine, and also includes Benjamin’s Window for takeaway dishes.

Attractions

The 19,000-square-foot Infinity Museum in Jerusalem, which made its debut in August, provides visitors with immersive light, sound and visual art experience in eight rooms, including Space of Kinetic Spheres, Mirrors and Music Space and an Interactive Screen Space.  

The new Jerusalem Suspension Bridge, situated in the Jerusalem Walls National Park, connects the slopes of the Hinnom Valley and Mount Zion – and proffers up panoramic views of the surrounding while providing a link between historic parts of the city.

The Dome Expo Dead Sea, which opened in late August, accommodates up to 5,000 people for conferences, business events, art installations, concerts and international festivals. It is equipped with a 75-foot-high inflatable dome that also serves as a high-tech projection surface.

This article originally appeared in Travel Pulse.