TORONTO — Travel demand to Israel is up – way up – with tourist numbers already exceeding 2019’s record levels by 22%.
With travellers returning to the destination in full, the Israel Ministry of Tourism has unveiled six recommendations from a much longer list of world-class attractions and experiences that are not to be missed this summer and beyond.
- Jerusalem. Travellers can take a high-speed train for a 25-minute, door-to-door ride, or take a Sherut (shared taxi shuttle) straight to Jerusalem. After dropping of their bags, they can head straight to Jaffa Gate of ‘The Old City’ and take a walking tour of Jerusalem’s four distinct quarters. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Jerusalem boasts thousands of years of history that seamlessly intertwine with modern day life, a perfect destination for all lovers of culture, arts, music and food. For more information go to https://www.itraveljerusalem.com/.
- Nature adventures. Nature and adventure enthusiasts will have a grand time in Israel, home to incredible hiking trails, rock climbing, bird watching, camel riding and jeep safaris. For an out-of-this-world experience, visitors can camp under the stars, or visit The Ancient Sussita (Hyppos) archaeological site, known as ‘the city above a mountain’ and recently reopened to the public. For more information go to https://en.parks.org.il/.
- Eat incredible food. From a vast array of street food to international fast-food chains and culinary hot spots, Israel has it all in terms of cuisine. Tel Aviv alone is home to over 4,000 eating establishments, including Israeli Chef Eyal Shani’s latest eatery, opened in 2011 and known for lineups around the block. As for a Canadian connection, the popular Miznon in Tel Aviv expanded into Canada’s upscale Yorkville neighbourhood in 2023, serving dishes with local farm-to-table ingredients. For more information about dining in Israel go to https://asif.org/.
- Visit a distillery. Located off the beaten path in a commercial building on the edge of Tel Aviv sits M+H (Milk + Honey) Distillery, whose M&H Elements Sherry was recently voted as the world’s best single malt whisky at the 2023 World Whiskies Awards. The sherry is considered the first and only single malt whisky in the world aged in kosher sherry casks, and is known for its robust flavours of red fruit, dark chocolate and oaky notes. M+H products are available at fine liquor merchants across Canada and around the world. Go to https://mh-distillery.com/ for more information.
- Go cruising. For centuries, the Mediterranean coastline of Israel has been the landing spot for travellers and conquerors. Today, major international cruise companies land or sail from Israel’s two cruise ship ports at Haifa and Ashdod, offering pre-cruise and post-cruise options for multi-day or shorter tours. Visiting cruise passengers are able to dive deep into the cradle of civilization on journeys that encompass Israel.
For more information on travel to Israel go to www.israel.travel.
