If all roads lead to Rome, then one air carrier leads to Israel – El Al. Israel’s national airline has created new gateway cities in the USA. and advanced direct service to key markets, one of which, is the growing Canadian market.

Travel trade professionals who attended a reception last week hosted by Israel Ministry of Tourism’s Director Jerry Adler heard that the Canadian market alongside the US comprises 50 percent revenue for Israel’s oldest hotel chain – Dan Hotels.

“The North American market is our bread and butter,” explains Eitan Sasson, Director of Marketing and Sales in North America with Dan Hotels, and adds, “fifty percent of our revenue is from North America.”

A compact country only 424 km long averaging 30-40 km wide about an hour’s drive west to east, Israel lies on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea by a desert that is home to some of the world’s oldest sites. The result: travel advisors can anticipate even more travel products aimed at every client’s interest and budget.

“We see lots of potential for the Canadian market,” Adi Maor, Vice-President for Projects and General Manager of Dan Hotels in the Northern Region told Travel Industry Today who relayed, “Canadians are very curious about the country and we have so much to offer.”

“It’s our goal to engage with new channels and to reinforce our many stakeholders with growing awareness in Canada that Israel is a top of mind A-list modern world-class destination with easy airline access and many options with a multitude of fabulous hotel options throughout the country,” said Adler in his presentation.

New Perspective, New Approach

As Gal Hana, Consul Director in Canada for Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, pointed out, the country is forecasting a great year in tourism despite the current travel advisories over concerns such as the Corona virus. “You used to have crisis before and you will have crisis in the future but you know that it comes and goes,” he says, noting that studies indicate people with more earning power are travelling and spending more.

“People will have more money to spend in tourism so 2020 will be a great year to travel,” he indicates especially considering the importance of tourism. “It’s an industry that has an outcome on every aspect of our lives,” he adds.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is expanding its tourism offerings to highlight adventure not just as a faith-based destination, but also to collaborate with a variety of tour companies in the adventure travel sector. Visit Israel recently worked with a Red Bull cyclist. Guests watched a dynamic video shot in the sultry canyon desert where mountain bikers are taking to the high winds.

Israeli Wineries

For consumers who believe Israel is just a desert, the country is evolving into a thriving wine destination.

Currently 250 wineries are scattered across the country. In the five wine regions you can see complex red varietals like Pinotage, Sangiovese, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon and white varietals like Riesling, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscat among other grape varietals. The most popular wine growing areas include Galilee by the Golan Heights known to have 38 percent of all vineyards and the Samson area by the Judean lowlands and foothills of which 34 percent of all vineyards are found. In 2008, one of France’s acclaimed French sommeliers visited to examine the Israeli wineries, surprised by the extent and production.

Dispelling Perceptions and Stereotypes

Consul Hana relayed that the country which has long been associated as a destination appealing to faith-based pilgrimages is so much more. Go for the biking on the Israel National Bike Trail. In Akko, go for the night opera. In Zedekiah’s Cave enjoy a light concert. With the family take a cable car ride up to the Masada hill and see the sunrise from this vantage point.

Or get together in Tel Aviv for a Friday night service with throngs of people at the port. “We are trying to highlight the different products,” he suggests.

On accommodations, the country has the gamut from luxury to affordable so price is not an issue.

Dan Hotels

Over the past three years Dan Hotels has heavily invested in all its properties undergoing renovations as well as adding three new locations to its portfolio. To date, the award-winning hotel company which consistently ranks as the number one chain in Israel has 17 hotels with a total room inventory of 4,300 rooms in Israel’s most desirable and hottest locations.

In February 2019, the opening of three new properties: Neptune Eilat in the south, and in the north with Ruth Safed and Mary’s Well, Nazareth have added exciting possibilities for guests interested in exploring the northern part of Israel.

Go for the New in Northern Israel

“People haven’t really considered the north,” says Sasson. The region has renowned historic places such as Galilee, the Golan Heights and Nazareth.

In the north, head to Safed, a beguiling ancient city where the origins of Jewish mysticism Kabbalah began. This widely observed tradition counts superstars Madonna among its fold. Sleep at a revived 800-year-old inn, a newly acquired Dan property (one of the two new properties under the hotel company) called Ruth Safed. Nestled on top of Mount Canaan, the 77-room stone structure was built as part of an alley used as a Turkish inn during the Ottoman Empire. An additional wing was later added but retains its authentic character.

The hotel features a swimming pool overlooking the Galilee vista, and is accessible to nature walking trails and the Old City. Walk back in time and feel spiritual. Ruth Safed offers free walking tours three times a week.

In the religious tourism sector, which is an important tourism segment, those guests following pilgrimages can experience unique stay-overs with Dan Hotels. The Holy Trilogy of travel includes Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Galilee.

Unique Stay-overs in Jerusalem

In Jerusalem, Dan Hotels offers guests from every budget and style four hotel choices.

It doesn’t get finer than the iconic King David. The 237-room luxury hotel which is the brand’s flagship property, is a founding member of The Leading Hotels of the World and is ideally situated close to the city centre. The choice hotel of international dignitaries and world leaders alike (US President Barack Obama stayed there) it’s the ultimate luxury urban getaway that blends contemporary luxury and rich history. For instance, the original lobby dating from the 1930s reflects the stunning designs from this era.

Under the Premium portfolio, the Dan Jerusalem is where families enjoy the indoor and outdoor swimming pools. The 500-room hotel is a fusion of two buildings.

The Dan Boutique Jerusalem, “Dan Hotels for beginners” is good value. Contemporary interiors combine motifs from both East and West as the hotel faces Mount Zion and the Old City walls across from Jerusalem’s old Turkish railway station. Find the city’s new entertainment hub along with a world animation centre.

Haifa In the port city of Haifa, which is the country’s third largest city, event guests heard how the city’s offerings are like the San Francisco of the Mediterranean. Guests staying at the “King David of the North,” the 5-star Dan Carmel have rooms with views. All rooms have sea views. Located high atop Mount Carmel, the 227-room luxury property has private gardens and is ideally located for tours to Galilee, Nazareth, Safed and Tiberias.

The hotel chain’s other hotel in Haifa is the moderately priced Dan Panorama Haifa, which presents good value. Room renovations will be completed by summer.

El Al Airlines

Dina Kutner, General Manager, El Al Canada spoke of the level of service and explained how travel advisors are a large part of El Al’s success. “The secret to our success is the personalized service and that goes with staff reservations. We know all our agents by name,” she offers.

On air lift, Jacob Mazgaonkar, sales and marketing manager with El Al Canada relayed how the airline, since introducing the new Dreamliner 787-9 last January, has seen a surge in demand which has resulted in the national air carrier expanding service in several markets. Starting at the end of March Toronto will have five weekly departures from Monday-Thursday and on Sunday.

“My kids can text me on board and we can communicate at different parts of the plane,” he says on the aircraft’s enhanced in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi features. The 11 hour service has more expanded leg room (30 percent more) in economy aisles 21-27 for an additional $99. “It’s Economy with a twist,” he says.

“Our planes are the safest. We hire only Israeli air force pilots,” he relays on the best airline security in the world. In addition, El Al’s aircraft are maintained in-house.

The other surprise: “Our Business Class and Premium Class outsells for the first time the economy class.” The average $3,000 business class fare equals creature comforts where flight attendants in a promotional video are seen tucking in the business class guests.

“The very first introduction to Israel’s cuisine is on board El Al,” Mazgaonkar noted on the culinary prowess.

More Culinary

Meanwhile over at the La Regence Restaurant part of the epic King David Hotel Jerusalem guests’ taste buds are tantalized by the burst of local flavours. The city’s top restaurant is a fusion of French and Israeli cuisine.

For more travel details on Israel see: https://canadavisitisrael.com/