Niche Tourism Thrives in Israel

While Israel is best known as a center of religious worship and tourism, new opportunities abound for niche travel that appeals to a wider demographic of world travelers.

“In Israel, there are so many adventures to take,” said Haim Gutin, Israel Tourism Commissioner for North and South America

Adventure tourism is particularly popular, with new hiking and biking options emerging as tourists have become more active, Gutin said.

New hiking and biking routes
Israel is currently developing different hiking and biking routes, he added.

“The Road of Israel, for instance, goes all the way from north to south, and it’s becoming a trend for couples and families to walk it all the way together.”

Popular adventure attractions throughout the country include climbing Mount Masada, hiking the Mitzpe Ramon and Golan Heights, skiing at Mt. Hermon and cycling through cities or the Negev desert.

“The bike share system in Tel Aviv is similar to the system in New York,” said Gutin.

For wine aficionados
A source of pride for Israel is its internationally-acclaimed wine scene.

Hundreds of wineries dot the Israeli landscape. The well-respected Golan Heights Winery, Margalit Winery and Clos de Gat are open to the public.

“We have more than 300 wineries that have become very well-known in the wine industry,” said Gutin. “There are small boutique wineries and larger wineries to explore.”

Culinary tourism
The culinary scene is also a lure for a growing number of foodies from around the world.

“There are a lot of new and young chefs who have opened restaurants in the last ten years,” said Gutin.

“A new trend is social restaurants in different markets in Israel; it becomes so beautiful as you enjoy the local atmosphere.”

Fine restaurants throughout Israel feature Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines. Restaurants like Canela, La Guta, Darna and 1868 have an international reputation for gourmet dining.

LGBT pride
Israel is a socially-inclusive destination and there’s a thriving LGBT scene in its major cities.

“Tel Aviv is known for being an open city. It’s like New York in that you can find almost everything you want to,” said Gutin.

The internationally known Tel Aviv gay pride parade, held every June, is a magnet for the LGBT community.

“Our [Pride] parades have become very well known in not just Tel Aviv but also in Jerusalem and Haifa,” said Gutin. “You start to feel like you are in a European city, but you are in Israel.”

Spa scene
Israel has also tapped into the growing spa and wellness niche.

The country’s numerous hot springs, mineral baths and sulphur pools, which have existed since the Roman era, make this niche a natural.

The Dead Sea’s salts, rich mineral content and dry climate are a particularly compelling attraction but therapeutic resorts can be found throughout Israel. They feature holistic and alternative treatments including hydrotherapy and Ayurvedic medicine.

Israel tours often feature day-long visits to health resorts as an itinerary choice. Trips directed solely at health and wellness are also an option.

Shopping opportunities
Dedicated shoppers will find great buys throughout the country in shopping malls, colorful local markets, annual bazaars and big city shops.
 
Tel Aviv has entire streets devoted to one type of item including spices, clothing, gifts, fashion accessories and galleries. There are also bi-weekly art fairs in the city center and bazaars showcasing designer clothes and crafts in the exhibition grounds.

Jerusalem’s Old City offers artifacts; ornaments made of wood, seashells, straw and leather; blown glass, and traditional clothing. The annual art fair, Khutsot ha-Yotzer, features fine art and folk crafts.

For more information, go to the Israel Ministry of Tourism website.

Next time: A look at faith-based travel