Tourism Ministry

IMTM 2026 draws bigger crowds as Israel tests the first steps of tourism’s return

At the International Mediterranean Tourism Market (IMTM) 2026, the change was evident from the outset.There was a steady current of visitors moving between booths, and the exchanges felt purposeful.

People visit a tourism conference at the Israel Trade Fairs and Convention Center in Tel Aviv, on February 3, 2026.
 Ben Gurion Airport

Israel turns to Christian pilgrims, diaspora ties, AI to reboot post-war tourism

Airplanes at the Ben Gurion International airport. February 11, 2026.

Israel prepared for evacuation of tourists in event of Iran attack, says Tourism Ministry head

 TRAVELERS COME and go at Ben-Gurion Airport last month

Tourism rebounds with 1.3 million visitors in 2025, led by US, France and UK


Israel's tourism industry still hasn't caught up to pre-COVID levels

The short amount of time since the skies fully opened and the war in Ukraine are part of why tourism is still lower than 2019.

 TRAVELERS COME and go at Ben-Gurion Airport last month

Israeli bill seeks to revive Western Wall compromise after six years

A significant change was proposed for the access to this "mixed" prayer area in the Kotel Compromise.

 Torah scrolls being moved from the Western Wall to genizah.

Why are people so scared of visiting Japan's 'gate to hell'?

The Ahun Ru Paro cave in Japan is also known as the "Gateway to Hell" by the locals. Dare to try?

 The "entrance to hell" on under Mt Otokoyama in Pippu, Hokkaido.

Tourists arrested at Machu Picchu after taking nude photos

Two tourists were removed from the premises at Machu Picchu world heritage site after stripping down for photos.

The ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru

Birthright Israel sees 40% drop in Diaspora participants

Budget cuts, Covid-19 and the "government's attitude towards Birthright Israel" have resulted in a dramatic change in participation.

 BIRTHRIGHT PARTICIPANTS gather in Jerusalem for a mega-event in 2017.

Georgia and Israel sign tourism agreement for the first time

Israel and Georgia will strive to promote joint programs, marketing materials and information on tourism investments.

 Israeli Foreign Minister Haim Katz and Georgian Foreign Minister Ilia Darchiashvili sign agreement to promote tourism between their respective countries.

Sisters Rina and Maia Dee killed in Jordan Valley terror attack

Mother of Israeli sisters still in critical condition • Defense minister bolsters Israel Police with military forces

 (L-R) Maia and Rina Dee, murdered in a terror shooting in the Jordan Valley on April 7, 2023

Israeli VAT exemption for tourists to continue despite FM's objection

The decision follows lengthy discussions about the state budget between Katz and the Finance Ministry, which had hoped to increase state revenue.

 Tourists seen at James Richardson Dudy Free shop at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, on June 6, 2022

Israel's Tourism Ministry to invest NIS 340m in tourism infrastructure

The Tourism Ministry's Development Budget Committee approved a budget that includes the establishment of dozens of public tourism infrastructure projects.

Tourism Minister Haim Katz arrives for a group picture of the new government at the president's residence in Jerusalem on December 29, 2022.

Here’s how Israel plans to pull millions more tourists in 2023

Israel pulled in a staggering amount of tourists in 2022. Now, it's time to look at how the Jewish State plans to better that this year.

 Tourists seen at James Richardson Dudy Free shop at Ben Gurion Airport, Israel, on June 6, 2022