The Israeli Tourism Month Initiative will offer Israelis approximately 1,000 guided tours and hundreds of activities for just 18 shekels (~USD 6), supporting tourism businesses after the summer and holiday vacation periods.
Israel’s Ministry of Tourism is investing millions of shekels in discounted domestic travel this November to support tourism businesses as international tourism continues to recover. Israeli Tourism Month, returning for its second year, is aimed at encouraging Israeli residents to take trips and book overnight stays within the country after the summer and holiday vacation periods.
The initiative places domestic demand at the centre of the Ministry’s effort to generate economic activity across the country and support the thousands of businesses and families whose livelihoods depend on tourism. It combines subsidized experiences with discounts offered by hotels, attractions and other tourism businesses.
Approximately 1,000 guided tours, including walks along the Israel National Trail, will cost 18 Israeli shekels. Led by licensed guides, the walking tours will last about two hours. Hundreds of cultural, nature, sports and culinary activities, as well as performances by leading artists, will also be available for 18 shekels. Participating businesses will offer discounts of more than 25% off their regular prices during their region’s designated week and will be supported by paid promotion from the Ministry.
The programme will rotate through four regions, with tours running Wednesday through Saturday: November 4–7 in Jerusalem, the West Bank, the Judean foothills and surrounding areas; November 11–14 in northern Israel; November 18–21 in southern Israel; and November 25–28 in central Israel, from the Carmel area to Ashdod.
The Ministry is recruiting hotels, restaurants, attractions, tour guides and guesthouses to participate, with businesses featured on the program’s official website and supported by Ministry-funded promotion.
Michael Izhakov, Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, said, “The success of Israeli Tourism Month last year proved that there is great demand among the public for quality and accessible tourism experiences in Israel. This year we are expanding the initiative, strengthening cooperation with tour guides and with the thousands of businesses that make up Israel’s magnificent tourism industry. We invite the public to discover the country at a nominal price. Domestic tourism is a significant anchor in the industry’s resilience, especially at a time when inbound tourism is still in the process of recovery. Tourism Month is part of the Ministry’s broader policy to strengthen demand, create economic activity throughout the country and support businesses and families that earn their living from tourism.”