Author Archive for Ashley

February’s a record breaker!

Wow, another record breaking month for Israeli tourism! They just keep on coming! February 2010 saw another fine month for tourist visits to the Holy Land - in fact, February saw the highest ever number of tourists for a February, ever! Some 222,000 tourists stopped over in Israel, that’s some 46% up on February 2009, [...]

Oscar glory beckons for the Ajami crew!

Tonight it’s Oscar night and Israel interest in the annual movie extravaganza is high, as this is the third consecutive year that an Israeli movie is in line for an Oscar for Best Foreign Film. This years’ candidate, Ajami, looks like it could be in with a shout, though some movie critics are less than [...]

It’s official: Metallica to perform in Israel

After weeks of rumors, it’s now official: rock legends Metallica are coming to Israel! Recognized as probably the most successful metal band ever, this will be Metallica’s third visit to the Holy Land (after visits in 1993 and 1999), and a much anticipated addition to the impressive summer lineup…
Mark your diaries: the concert’s scheduled for [...]

Purim 2010

So this weekend saw Purim festivities hit Israel, and hit Israel big time. Undoubtedly the most fun of all the Jewish holidays, it’s a great excuse to get dressed up (for both kids and adults) and to just let your hair down and party. And then there’s the gift parcels that are given, often between [...]

Size Doesn’t Matter - a new Israel advertising campaign

Not sure what to make of this advert, which actually promises to be the first in a series by new blog on the block Size Doesn’t Matter. I love the look and feel of the blog, though this little clip is pressing the wrong buttons. Or maybe it’s not…what do you think?

If you enjoyed this [...]

Even more ways to fly to Israel!

So, as tourism to Israel moves on up in the right direction, those of you interested in joining the party have yet more flight options available. Over the last few days, various airlines throughout Europe have announced expanded services, and even new flights (the first scheduled flights from Scandinavia to Israel!), between Europe and the [...]

Making Aliyah: First steps upon arrival in Israel

When you arrive as an oleh, the first government office you meet with is Misrad Haklita. They have an office in the airport, and when you arrive you go to them. They give you your teudat oleh (the booklet that you use when you use your zechuyot (rights) for things like lifts, a car, [...]

The Catholics are coming! The Catholics are coming!

No, not another Rock God joining the long list of talent coming to perform in Israel in 2010, but an acknowledgment of the rising numbers of Catholic tourists visiting Israel. According to numbers released yesterday, approximately one third of tourists to Israel are Catholic, though thanks to some recent marketing moves by the Israel Tourism [...]

Elvis Costello is coming to Israel!

And the summer list of international artists performing in Israel just got longer…this time the legendary Elvis Costello has been confirmed for the 30th June at the Caesarea Amphitheater (about half an hour’s drive north of Tel Aviv). He’s only here for the one show but at long last, Israeli music fans can get to [...]

Snow and skiing in Israel? Are you kidding me?!

Oh yes. You might not associate the colder aspects of a North American or North European winter with the Middle East, but during the winter months in Israel you can usually see some snow. And if you make it up to the northern tip of Israel, to Mount Hermon, you can even brush up on [...]

Another record breaker for Israeli tourism

I’m not going to say “I told you so”, but my optimistic forecast for tourist numbers to Israel this year looks like coming true. January 2010 was a record January, up some 62% from last year with some 212,000 tourists visiting the Holy Land. That’s quite a nice leap in the right direction…
As Tourism Minister [...]

Follow those oranges at the Shvil HaTapuzim!

As the citrus season just about comes to a close, it’s a great time to take the kids off to Shvil HaTapuzim - The Orange Path. Oh yes, if you and your kids love oranges and generally like letting off steam (and hey, what kid doesn’t need to…), the Shvil HaTapuzim is a perfect day [...]