Israel Invests in Future of Tourism with New Hotels, Infrastructure & Experiences

Israel says it is reinforcing its commitment to tourism with significant investments in infrastructure, hospitality and visitor experiences as it works to rebound from a challenging few years.

In June, Israel welcomed 34,700 visitors from the United States and Canada – a 73% year-over-year increase – despite limited airlift — signalling renewed momentum from one of the country’s most important inbound markets.

Building on this growth, the Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) is advancing a series of major initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience and support long-term tourism development. 

“Israel has always been a destination where history, culture and innovation come together, and the investments being made today ensure that experience will be even more meaningful for future visitors,” says Yoram Elgrabli, Tourism Commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

 “Whether it’s discovering the Negev’s emerging wine region, learning from world-renowned chefs in the Galilee, experiencing new luxury accommodations or visiting treasured spiritual sites with enhanced accessibility, travellers will find more opportunities than ever to connect with the many stories that make Israel unique.” 

New Tourism Developments

New Modern Cruise Terminal Opens in Haifa Port

A new cruise terminal officially opened in Haifa in May 2026. It was engineered to allow for the seamless service of two mega-ships simultaneously and will allow for up to one million passengers to experience Haifa annually.

Negev Wine Region Receives International Recognition

Israel’s Negev region officially received recognition as a Protected Geographical Indication. The designation celebrates Israel’s Southern region and its ancient winemaking heritage as one of the world’s leading wine destinations. 

Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF Opens in 2026

Slated to open by the end of 2026, the Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF is the only fully kosher cooking facility of its kind to open in the world. The institute will offer day and weeklong programs to travellers, who will have access to an on-site cafe, fine-dining restaurant and working farm. 

Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport Expands Terminal 3

Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport is expanding Terminal 3, which will add a new eastern passenger terminal and a two-level underground facility for handling baggage and security screening. The expansion will include new airline check-in areas, restaurants, offices and commercial space. 

‘The Bible Road’ Plans to Open as a Global Tourism Brand

Israel is set to approve a national initiative to rebrand and develop Highway 60 as “The Bible Road,” turning one of the country’s primary roads into a global heritage and tourism attraction. This historic route traces the paths walked by biblical figures centuries ago. 

New Hotels

Fattal Group Launches ‘The Yacht’ Luxury Resort on the Herzliya Marina

Fattal Hotel Group  expanded its footprint in Israel with the June opening of a new luxury property, The Yacht on the Herzliya Marina. This super-luxury 325-room hotel features two swimming pools, a lobby bar, an outdoor restaurant developed by acclaimed chef Eitan Mizrahi, a contemporary spa,  gym, wellness centre and sweeping ocean views. 

Kassland, A New All-Season Resort Complex Opens Near Jerusalem

Kassland, a new all-season resort complex in Ma’ale Adumim, officially opened to the public in May. It combines a luxury hotel, an advanced thermal spa and an indoor water park. The heart of the 220-room resort is the Atlantis Spa, a massive wellness centre and thermal bathhouse with 20 pools and water installations, underwater massage jets, waterfalls and more. 

Brown Hotels Opens New Luxury Hotel at Ben Gurion Airport

Brown Hotels and Israel’s Ben Gurion Airport received approval to start construction on the area’s only five-star hotel, which is set to open in 2028. The seven-story hotel will feature approximately 260 rooms.

Isrotel Invests US$1 Billion  into New Hotels and Luxury Glamping Sites

Isrotel is investing roughly $1 billion USD into new hotels across Israel, with luxury hotels in Eilat, a resort on Kinneret’s Amnon Beach and a luxury glamping site in the Ramon Crater. 

Tourism Investments

Israel Invests US$3.5 Million into Galilee Agritourism

In an effort to transform Israel’s northern region of mountains, farmlands and rural communities, the government is investing US$3.5 million to support agrotourism across the Galilee region. Visitors will have the opportunity to connect directly with local farmers through self-picking orchards, interactive farm tours, hands-on culinary workshops and visitor centres showcasing fresh and local produce. 

Eilat Region Receives $12 Million Grant for Tourism Improvements

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is investing in the Eilat region to strengthen the destination as a top tourism stop.  The budget will be used to improve the visitor experience and increase the appeal of the region.