AGP Executive Report

Tourism Promotion: Israel’s Tourism Ministry named Ilan Marciano to lead Midwest U.S. marketing, highlighting United’s four weekly nonstop Chicago–Tel Aviv flights as a key link for travelers. Airline News: An investor group has taken control of Arkia in a rescue deal, as separate reports point to possible changes in the carrier’s ownership. Hotel Standards: The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya earned Green Key certification for 2027, an international sustainability label. Travel Disruption: A magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Eilat briefly shut Ramon Airport; travelers should check for updates before heading there. Cultural Travel: Tens of thousands gathered in Jerusalem for Sigd, the Ethiopian Jewish holiday, bringing visitors to celebrations at the Haas Promenade. Israel also showcased its tourism offerings at a major London travel expo this week.

Hotel Sustainability: The Ritz-Carlton Herzliya has earned Green Key certification for 2027, adding an environmental credential to Israel’s hotel scene. Travel Costs: A proposed Israeli flight tax could raise passenger costs, while Israel also promoted its tourism offerings at a major London travel expo. Getting Around: An earthquake temporarily shut Ramon Airport near Eilat; Jerusalem is also working to make ancient walking routes more accessible to wheelchair users. Travel Restrictions: The Maldives is moving to make its entry ban on Israeli passport holders permanent, regardless of the Gaza war’s status.

Airline Watch: Arkia has applied for permanent U.S. operating authority, which could expand travel options between Israel and the United States as Israir weighs a possible acquisition. Travel Disruptions: A magnitude 4.5 earthquake near Eilat briefly shut Ramon Airport; separately, a United flight from Tel Aviv to New York diverted to Athens after a burning smell was reported onboard. Tourism Push: Israel is courting British visitors with a new campaign featuring Tel Aviv’s beaches, food and nightlife, while recent figures showed more arrivals from North America. Regional Travel: The U.S. has pulled its Under-17 team from Qatar’s World Cup over security concerns, even as Formula 1 says its Qatar and Abu Dhabi races will go ahead as scheduled.

Eilat Flights: A 4.5-magnitude quake near Taba prompted Ramon Airport’s evacuation and a temporary halt to flights. An Arkia plane circled as safety checks began. Regional Events: Formula One says Qatar’s Nov. 29 race and Abu Dhabi’s Dec. 6 finale will proceed despite regional tensions, with security and travel conditions under review. Israel Tourism: A campaign to draw British visitors to Tel Aviv and reported gains in North American arrivals point to efforts to revive inbound travel. Travel Costs: Israel’s Tax Authority is considering a new air-travel tax as part of proposed revenue measures for the next government.

F1 Travel Plans: Qatar’s Nov. 29 and Abu Dhabi’s Dec. 6 Grands Prix are set to go ahead; Formula 1 has dropped Imola as a backup, while saying it continues to monitor travel advice and coordinate with host governments. Tourism Promotion: Israel showcased its attractions at London’s World Travel Market and is courting British visitors with a campaign highlighting food, beach parties and nightlife. A separate report says arrivals from North America are rising. Regional Air Links: Lebanon’s Rene Mouawad Airport is due to start commercial flights Dec. 14, with routes to be announced Sunday. Officials say the northern airport will support tourism and ease pressure on Beirut. Outdoor Israel: A recent hiking feature spotlights Nahal Tekoa, a canyon near Herodium.

Regional Travel: Formula 1 has dropped its Imola backup plan and expects to finish the season with races in Qatar on Nov. 29 and Abu Dhabi on Dec. 6, while saying safety will remain the priority if tensions escalate. Airline Plans: High fuel costs are prompting European carriers to trim winter schedules, including cuts by easyJet and Lufthansa. Air France and ITA Airways have also extended some Middle East flight suspensions. Israel Connections: A United flight from Tel Aviv to Newark diverted to Athens after a cabin odor was reported; no fire was found. Tourism Promotion: Israel is courting British visitors with a new campaign featuring Tel Aviv’s beaches, food and nightlife, following a showcase at London’s World Travel Market.

Traveler Conduct: A video appearing to show Israeli tourists pushing a Sri Lankan boat worker into the sea drew widespread outrage. Tourism Promotion: Israel is courting British visitors with a campaign highlighting Tel Aviv’s beaches, food and nightlife, while showcasing its tourism offerings at London’s WTM expo; protesters targeted the Israeli stand. Air Travel: A United flight from Tel Aviv to New York diverted to Athens after a cabin odor was reported; no fire was found. Israel is also considering a passenger air-travel tax, and Arkia has launched discounted eSIMs for passengers. Visitor Trends: Israel reports rising arrivals from North America as regional aviation capacity nears recovery, though the recovery varies by market.

Tourism Push: Israel used London’s World Travel Market to promote its beaches, desert landscapes and heritage sites, bringing 23 tourism businesses to the show as it courts international visitors. The effort follows an 8.6% rise in North American arrivals in the third quarter; the Israeli stand also faced a protest. Flights and Access: Middle East airline capacity is nearing pre-conflict levels, but recovery remains uneven. A United flight from Tel Aviv to Newark diverted to Athens after a burning smell was reported, while some Gulf routes remain disrupted. Travel Costs: Israel is considering a new air-travel tax, which could add to passengers’ costs if adopted.

Flight Disruptions: A United flight from Tel Aviv to Newark diverted safely to Athens after an unusual cabin odor; passengers were transferred to another aircraft. Travel Safety: An Israeli family who mistakenly entered Area A near Bethlehem was rescued and unharmed. The incident is a reminder for visitors to check routes carefully and follow local guidance. Airfare Costs: Israel’s Tax Authority has proposed a departure tax that could add about NIS 58 to a medium-haul ticket and NIS 274 to a long-haul fare; the plan is not yet in effect. Tourism Outlook: North American visits to Israel rose 8.6% in the third quarter, as the Tourism Ministry promotes the destination. Outdoor Escapes: A recent guide highlights Nahal Tekoa, a canyon hike near Herodion, for travelers seeking a scenic route.

Flight Disruptions: Regional tensions are keeping travel plans fluid. Major Middle East airports remain open, but cancellations and route suspensions continue, especially on Saudi routes; check directly with airlines before departure. Travel Costs: Israel’s Tax Authority is proposing a new 2027 departure tax, estimated to add about NIS 58 to a Europe ticket and NIS 274 to a long-haul fare. The proposal is not yet in effect. Tourism Push: Israel is courting British visitors with a new campaign, while North American travel to Israel rose 8.6% in the third quarter, according to recent figures. Where to Go: For a first visit, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv remain draws; returning travelers are being urged to explore the Negev, including Mitzpe Ramon and Ramon Crater.

Flight Disruptions: A U.S. regional security alert warned of possible cancellations and airspace closures, while the UAE suspended Iranian airlines’ flights. Travelers should check schedules before heading to the airport. Tourism Promotion: Israel has launched its first UK tourism campaign in three years, featuring Tel Aviv’s beaches, food and nightlife; the Israeli stand at London’s World Travel Market was also targeted by protesters. Hiking: A new guide to Nahal Tekoa highlights canyon trails, caves and views below Herodion, offering a quieter outing near Jerusalem. Travel Deals: Arkia passengers can get 20%–36% off overseas eSIM data packages through a new partnership. Popular Getaway: Crete is on track for a record 250,000 Israeli visitors in 2026 as the island adds more luxury stays to its familiar beach-resort appeal.

Travel Alert: US officials warned of possible attacks, airspace closures and flight disruptions across the Middle East as strikes near Iran’s Qeshm Island raised escalation fears. Travellers should check airline updates and official advisories. Tourism Push: Israel has begun its first UK tourism advertising campaign in three years, promoting Tel Aviv’s beaches, food and nightlife to bring British visitors back. Visitor Demand: Israel reported gains in arrivals from North America, while El Al plans 63 weekly flights to the Americas next summer, including more service to Miami and Los Angeles. Industry Watch: Protests targeted Israel’s stand at London’s World Travel Market, underscoring the political challenges facing destination marketing. Heritage Access: Israel restored access to the historic St. George Greek Orthodox Monastery near Jericho.

Travel Alerts: The US has warned of possible flight cancellations and airspace closures across the Middle East amid renewed tensions involving Iran. Travellers should check airline updates and official advisories before departure. Tourism Campaigns: Israel is courting British visitors with a new campaign featuring beach parties, food and drag performers. North American travel to Israel rose 8.6% in the third quarter, as the Tourism Ministry promoted its “I Am Israel” campaign. Transport: Flooding and traffic chaos are forecast in Israel this weekend, with road and rail disruptions expected across the centre next week. Industry: Protesters targeted Israel’s stand at London’s World Travel Market, putting the country’s tourism push in the spotlight.

Tourism Demand: Israel welcomed 154,200 visitors from the US and Canada in July–September, up 8.6% year over year, as the Tourism Ministry promotes its “I Am Israel” campaign. New Air Link: An Israeli airline is planning direct Tallinn–Tel Aviv flights from spring, potentially adding another option for travellers from the Baltics. Getting Around: Train and road disruptions are expected across central Israel over the coming week, while forecast heavy rain may bring weekend traffic chaos; check local updates before setting out. Heritage Stops: Access to the historic St. George Greek Orthodox Monastery near Jericho has been restored, and a new feature highlights three biblical shrines in Jerusalem’s Ein Karem.

Flight Disruptions: A KLM flight bound for Ben Gurion was diverted to Bucharest after a bomb threat, amid a wider wave of hoaxes that disrupted dozens of European flights. No claim of responsibility has been verified. Israel Travel: North American visits to Israel rose 8.6% in the third quarter as the Tourism Ministry promoted its “I Am Israel” campaign; Israel has also restarted tourism advertising in the UK after a three-year pause. New Routes: An Israeli airline is planning direct Tallinn–Tel Aviv flights from spring, potentially adding another option for Baltic travelers. Jericho Access: Vehicle access has returned to the lookout above St. George’s Monastery after nearly three years of restrictions. Visitors must show ID at a security post and pass through electronic gates.

Getting Around Israel: Roadworks will disrupt travel over the coming week, including Ayalon Highway closures from Thursday night to Friday afternoon and changes to train services and dozens of bus routes. European Flight Disruptions: Bomb hoaxes have affected at least 22 flights in four days; one flight arriving from Israel made an emergency landing in Sofia. No explosives have been reported, but diversions and security checks are continuing. Tourism Demand: North American visits to Israel rose 8.6% in the third quarter to 154,200, as the Tourism Ministry promotes its “I Am Israel” campaign. More Air Links: El Al plans 63 weekly flights to the Americas this summer, with added service to Miami and Los Angeles; Israir is also in talks to acquire rival Arkia.