MAY 2013 Vol. 6 - Issue 6    
GREETINGS FROM THE COMMISSIONER 

 
Dear Friends,  

This summer is shaping up as one of the most exciting times ever for a visit to Israel, with new art and culture exhibitions and culinary experiences happening throughout the country.

 

We hope to welcome travelers from around the world in Israel this year to experience our dynamic collection of historic holy sites and modern attractions. 

 


haimsignature


Shalom,

Haim Gutin
Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America

NEW SURVEY RANKS TEL AVIV AMONG MOST POPULAR BRANDS IN THE U.S.

A recent survey conducted by BAV Consulting ranking companies, cities and countries placed Tel Aviv in the 90th percentile of the most popular brands in the U.S. The poll was conducted among 13,000 Americans and ranked Tel Aviv against iconic brands such as The Rolling Stones, Apple and National Geographic. The poll describes Tel Aviv as "different, fascinating, unique, daring and independent." 

ISRAEL RECORDS INCREASE IN TOURISM IN MARCH-APRIL 2013

A total of 655,000 visitors arrived in Israel in March and April 2013, a 2% increase over the same period in 2012 and a 14% increase compared to 2011, the best year ever for tourism to Israel. 551,000 of the 655,000 visitors were tourists, or one-day visitors, an 8% increase compared to the same period in 2011.

DESIGN MUSEUM HOLON TO PRESENT NEW EXHIBITION SHOWCASING NEW WORKS BY ISRAELI ARCHITECT AND MUSEUM DESIGNER RON ARAD

Israel's Design Museum Holon will unveil a new exhibition showcasing the works of Israel-born architect Ron Arad, designer of New York's epic 9/11 memorial. The new exhibition, entitled "In Reverse," opens June 19 and will showcase videos depicting the creative process of Ron Arad and feature a collection of specially created design pieces, as well as dozens of works from Arad's 20-year career.

ISRAEL MINISTRY OF TOURISM LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FOR CONFERENCE AND INCENTIVE TRAVEL PLANNING 

The Israel Ministry of Tourism launched a new website this month focusing on meeting, convention and incentive travel planning in Israel. The website features images, videos and detailed information highlighting tourist destinations, meetings and conference facilities, hospitality and niche travel options to Israel. www.goisrael-conference-and-incentive.com

BYZANTINE-ERA MOSAIC UNCOVERED AT KIBBUTZ BET QAMA IN THE NEGEV DESERT  

A magnificent 1,500-year-old mosaic was recently uncovered during excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority at Kibbutz Bet Qama in Israel's Negev Desert. The mosaic is adorned with geometric patterns, a pair of peacocks, a pair of doves pecking at grapes on a tendril and its corners depict amphorae, or ancient jars used to transport wine. 

AMERICAN ACTOR ASHTON KUTCHER EMBARKS ON HIGH-TECH TOUR OF ISRAEL 

American actor Ashton Kutcher (pictured, at left, with Israeli entrepreneur Yossi Vardi) arrived in Israel this month for a private tour of Israel's high-tech and start-up companies. Kutcher also toured holy sites in Jerusalem, including the Western Wall, and attended a Shavuot dinner and meetings with high-tech industry executives in Tel Aviv. 

LEGENDARY AMERICAN ACTOR JOHN MALKOVICH PERFORMS IN ISRAEL  

Emmy Award-winning actor and director John Malkovich arrived in Israel this month where he performed the lead role in the musical drama, The Infernal Comedy - Confessions of a Serial Killer, at the Felicja Blumental International Music Festival in Tel Aviv and at the Eilat Chamber Music Festival. He is pictured, right, at a press conference held at the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv.

NEW "EATWITH" TRAVEL PROGRAM OFFERS UNIQUE CULINARY EXPERIENCES IN ISRAEL

EatWith, a new program that connects food-focused travelers with local host families, is now available for visitors to Israel. EatWith offers unique dining experiences in private homes and visits to dairy and produce farms across Israel. www.eatwith.com

 

NEW EXHIBITION DETAILING ARCHITECTURAL HISTORY OF TEL AVIV ON DISPLAY THROUGH JUNE 2013 

A new exhibition, entitled Tel Aviv's Modern Movement, highlights the historical and architectural significance of the city's expo-style Levant Fairs mounted during the 1930s. The exhibition will be on display through June 2013 at Hangar 16 in the Tel Aviv Port (Namal). It commemorates the 10th anniversary of Tel Aviv being named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its collection of more than 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings. 

CHRISTIAN PILGRIM COMPLETES SIX-MONTH JOURNEY BY FOOT FROM SWEDEN TO JERUSALEM 

Jorgen Nilsson, a knight in the Hospitaller Order of St. Lazarus, Sweden, recently completed a six-month journey to Jerusalem by foot, passing through Denmark, Germany, France, Italy and Greece on the way. Nilsson departed from the city of Lund, Sweden on November 18th and arrived in Jerusalem last month to attend the first International Jerusalem Symposium on Green and Accessible Pilgrimage.   

 

AMERICAN SINGER-SONGWRITER DANIEL JOHNSTON TO PERFORM IN TEL AVIV THIS MONTH

American singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston will arrive in Israel this month for a one-off performance at The Barby in Tel Aviv, May 28. The concert will be followed by a concert by the Pet Shop Boys at Nokia Theater in Tel Aviv, June 23. 

WEIZMANN INSTITUTE FOR SCIENCE ANNOUNCES NEW MULTIMEDIA VISITORS CENTER

The Weizmann Institute for Science announced the opening this month of the new Levinson Visitors Center, offering an in-depth look into current scientific projects and discoveries in Israel.The Weizmann Institute was founded in Rehovot (south of Tel Aviv) in 1934 and is considered one of the world's leading centers of scientific achievement. The new visitors center includes an interactive science exhibition and multimedia presentation. http://visitors-center.weizmann.ac.il

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Ross Belfer

WEILL 

866-PR-WEILL

 

Gail Barzilay

Israel Ministry of

Tourism

Northeast Region

212-499-5647

 

Dana Shemesh

Israel Government 

Tourist Office

Southeastern USA

404-541-2770

 

Jill Daly

Israel Government Tourist Office Midwestern USA

312-803-7077

 

Dan Manor

Israel Government Tourist Office 

Western USA

323-658-7463 

 

 

                                       

ISRAEL GOVERNMENT
TOURIST OFFICES in
NORTH AMERICA

NORTHEAST USA
New York
Shahar Alon, Director

212-499-5650

SOUTHERN USA
Atlanta 
Joe Diaz, Director
404-541-2770

MIDWESTERN USA
Chicago
Omer Eshel, Director
312-803-7080

WESTERN USA
Los Angeles
Eliezer Hod, Director
323-658-7463

CANADA
Toronto  
Ami Allon, Director
416-964-3784


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Informational material is disseminated on behalf of the Israel Ministry of Tourism.
Additional information available at the Department of Justice.