November 2007 feature
The Wine Routes of Israel
Travelers are now discovering a different Israel - through its wineries and vineyards, and through the passion of the people who are crafting award-winning wines today. Visitors can now enjoy vintage wines and gourmet foods, along with Israel’s millennia of wine producing history. Agents can now book excursions that spend time experiencing Israel as wine aficionados.
Israel’s ideal growing conditions for the cultivation of wine grapes are found in the two geographic strips between 30-50 degrees south and north of the equator, which in Israel would be the Northern Hemisphere strip. Israel, like other ‘long’ countries such as Chile or Italy, enjoys a variety of microclimates. While the northern region gets much rain and even snow in the winter, just a few hours away, Israel’s southern region is very arid with desert conditions.
This range in microclimates supports many grape varieties, which can grow on several different types of soil, yielding excellent results. More than 90% of Israel’s vineyards lie in the Shomron, Samson & Galilee regions. The sub regions with the youngest vineyards are in the Upper Galilee and the Judean Foothills. Its five official wine growing regions include the Galilee-Golan, Shomron, Samson, the Judean Hills and the Negev.
Israel’s Winemaking History
The Middle East & Eastern Mediterranean regions were once considered the cradle of wine production, and the ancient land of Canaan is one of the earliest countries to cultivate wine, more than 2,000 years before vines reached Europe. During modern times, excavations have uncovered ancient presses and storage vessels that indicate a well-developed wine industry existed throughout the area. Grapes, grape clusters and vines were frequent motifs found on ancient coins and jars. Many wine presses and storage cisterns have been unearthed - from Mount Hermon to the Negev. Inscriptions and seals of wine jars illustrate that wine was shipped in goatskins or jugs from ports such as Dor, Ashkelon and Joppa (Jaffa). The vineyards of Galilee and Judea were mentioned back then; while wines with names such as Sharon and Carmel from places like Gaza, Ashkelon and Lod were famous.
Modern Vintner Revolution
In the 1990’s, wine production which had been typically 70 % white, 30% red, changed to 60% red, 40% white, to reflect new tastes. International wine makers and consultants arrived to improve the overall quality advising growers of which types of grapes to grow, where to plant the vines and how to craft world-class varietals. Growers invested in state-of-the-art equipment and modern techniques replaced less certain methods. It was during this time that a proliferation of wineries took place all over Israel. In fact, 85% of all operating wineries in Israel today were founded in the last decade.
There are currently over 25 commercial wineries and over 150 boutique wineries in Israel where wine making has become a personal obsession with wine makers striving to produce world class wines. This exciting surge in boutique ‘start ups’ notwithstanding, the three largest wineries account for 75 % of the annual harvest; the top 5 wineries total 84 % of the harvest, and the top 11 account for 95% of the total annual harvest.
Visit www.goisrael.com
September 2007 Feature
Treading Beyond the Spiritual Ties that Bind
By J. Bernhardt
Israel has long since been a strong destination for religious exploration, with the Galilee region the center for many pilgrims. Catholics, Christians, Jews and Muslims explore their spiritual backgrounds here. In 2006, Israel hosted more than half a million tourists from the U.S., which represents about 30% of the total number of tourists visiting the country. Approximately 50% to 60% of the visitors from the US are Christians who come for religious reasons.
Most American tourists spend the majority of their trip in the Galilee with side trips to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv.
While there is no denying that many tourists make the trek to the Holy Land to visit religious sites—Israel is also home to amazing hot springs, historical towns and artisan centers. Modern minds, bodies and spirits may indeed find the peace they seek right here in a country about the size of New Jersey.
The Galilee
To most Israelis, the Galilee is synonymous with “The North” a land of mountains and fertile valleys, nature reserves and national parks. Bordering Lebanon, Syria and Jordan, the Galilee is the northern-most part of Israel. The Upper Galilee consists of rugged highlands, waterfalls and endless panoramas; this is where Safed and the Golan Heights are located. The Lower Galilee is known for its rich history; this is where Nazareth, Mount of Beatitudes, Tiberias and Tabgha can be found. Most travelers find the Upper Galilee to be more beautiful, but the Lower Galilee to be more interesting from a historic perspective.
Tiberias is a good base for day trips made throughout the Galilee. The Sea of Galilee, which is actually a lake, is surrounded by cliffs and steep hills which make it beautiful to view from any side. Christian sites dot the shores with the Golan Heights (which borders Syria and Jordan) off in the distance. The Jordan River comes down from the north, feeds the Sea of Galilee before meandering south to the Dead Sea. The Jordan River, contrary to the song, is not “deep and wide” but instead is small and narrow at certain points and wild and wonderful further north for whitewater rafting.
The main religious sights in the Galilee region include Mount of Beatitudes, where Jesus gave his famous sermon “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” A church stands at this site with windows inscribed with the Beatitudes in Latin; a walkway encircles it bordered with flowers and amazing views of the Sea of Galilee.
Capernaum, where Jesus established his ministry, is also popular with tour groups. This is where St. Peter lived and Jesus lodged. Other nearby sites include Tabgha, where Jesus performed the miracle of multiplying the bread and the fish, and Yardenit which sits on the Jordan River and where many come to be baptized. There are tours that perform group baptisms and individuals may come to be baptized as well.
A full day should be devoted to Nazareth, where Jesus spent his childhood. This city is neither small, nor quaint, but wonderfully alive with Israeli’s largest Arab population (two-thirds of Nazareth’s population is Arab). The old town has small, hidden alleyways, cobblestone streets and a lively population.
A highlight of Nazareth is the Church of the Annunciation: The largest church in the Middle East, it was consecrated in 1969. This is where the Angel Gabriel is said to have appeared to Mary and announced that she would conceive and bear a son and call his name Jesus. The upper floors of the Church are rich with mosaics of Mary created by artists around the world -- Japan, USA, Spain, Mexico - depicting the Madonna and Child by the way that country views her.
The Greek Orthodox Church of St. Gabriel is located a block away and is built over the only natural hot spring in Nazareth. The hot spring is called “Mary’s Well” and it’s the site where the Greek Orthodox believe the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary.
Beyond the traditional religious sites is the compelling town of Safed (also spelled Tzfat), the center of Kabbalah, a mystical form of Judaism that dates back to ancient times. Kabbalah gained popularity in the 12th century and now is quite popular among American celebrities including Madonna. Small galleries, cobblestone streets and old synagogues line this small, pleasant town. This is a great place to buy local art and spend the afternoon in a café people watching.
From Spiritual to Sybaritic
For wine enthusiasts, a visit to the Golan Heights Winery is well worth a day trip. Israel is quickly becoming a player in the wine scene, with this particular winery one of the top contenders. Tour the facilities and enjoy tastings of some of their top sellers.
History enthusiasts will want to visit Rosh Pina. It’s one of the first Jewish settlements in the Galilee region, inspired by Zionist pioneers who came from Romania in search of their own homeland.
For spa enthusiasts Hammat Gader offers a unique experience. One of the largest spas dating back to the Roman Empire, this spa is built around three hot springs high up the southern bank of the Yarmuk River. Extremely popular with locals, the hot springs consist of an impressive array of various size baths,
Jacuzzis and waterfalls.
For a real experience, book a water massage—the massage literally takes place while guests are floating in the hot springs.
Visitors should spend at least one day at the Dead Sea. Most hotels have spas, which boast Dead Sea mud in their treatments. Spend the day visiting nearby sites including a tour of the Kibbutz Ein Gedi, set in the most beautiful scenery—between 1,600 cliffs and the Dead Sea. A working kibbutz, visitors can get a tour of the lush botanical gardens and grounds, hear about the kibbutz’s 600 inhabitants and visit the school, medical facility and other key parts of the community’s life. This tour provides a real insight into the kibbutz way of life in Israel.
A short distance away is the Ein Gedi Spa, which offers access to the Dead Sea, a fresh water pool and warm indoor sulphur pools. Massage treatments can also be booked. Spend the day here and make sure to apply the Dead Sea mud (free on the beach); it’s said to have wonderful rejuvenation effects.
Accommodations
One of the best hotels in Tiberias is Rimonim Galei Kinnereth. Its location right on the Sea of Galilee is unbeatable and the service is quite good. There are 113 rooms and seven suites. Prices start at $246 per night with breakfast. Call 011-972 3 6754591; www.rimonim.com
Kibbutz Ein Gedi is a great hotel for guests curious about life on a working kibbutz (http://www.ein-gedi.co.il). The 175 rooms range from simple self-catering units to deluxe rooms overlooking Nahal David. Call 011-972-8-6594221; www.ein-gedi.co.il
Jax Fax was hosted by El Al on this media trip (www.elal.com), Israel’s national airline, offering flights from JFK, Newark, Miami, Chicago and Los Angeles. Delta Airlines recently started nonstop service to Israel as well. www.delta.com
For more information, contact the Israel Ministry of Tourism at 888-77-ISRAEL; www.goisrael.com
May 2007 Issue
Israel Hotel Association: Promises and Potential
Jax Fax interviewed Eli Gonen, once the director general of Israel’s ministry of tourism, he is now the president of the Israel Hotel Association (IHA) as well as the president and CEO of the Sheraton Moriah Israel.
Jax Fax: How have IHA members managed during the past two years?
IHA: Since the end of the year 2000, the travel industry in Israel has experienced enormous difficulties due to the unstable geo-political situation in the area. From a record number of arrivals, over 2.7 million tourists in 2000, the number has dropped to a low of 900,000.
In the past two years a remarkable recovery has taken place. We ended up with an average increase of above 35% per year in the last two years, and 2006 brought us to 1.9 million arrivals.
JF: Have you attracted new members?
IHA: Among the new member properties are the Grand Court Jerusalem, Novotel Jerusalem, Oasis Dead Sea, Tulip Inn Dead Sea, Canaan Spa Safed, Vital Tel Aviv, Rosh Hanikra and The Scottish Hotel Tiberias. Between the years 1995-2000 there was an average increase of 2,000 new hotel rooms each year; between the years 2001-2007 less than 2,000 new hotel rooms joined us. Currently two major properties are being built in Jerusalem plus 1,100 hotel rooms in Tiberias, 500 in Tel Aviv, 1,000 in Netanya and more will soon be announced.
JF: What do you look for in new hotel members?
IHA: As the President of the Israel Hotel Association one of my priorities is to make sure that each and every hotel will have the "deep breath" to survive the temporary crisis.
JF: Has the portion of American travelers decreased?
IHA: American tourists comprise about 35% of Israel’s tourist arrivals, making them the biggest single source of tourism. The arrival of American tourists increased by about 21% compared to previous years; room nights increased by 42%. In 2006, there was a 5% decrease compared to 2005 in room nights due to the war with Lebanon, however we expect a recovery in 2007 based on joint ventures the Ministry will soon initiate.
JF: Does IHA have a travel agent incentive program?
IHA: Every hotel member creates its own scale of incentives/commission/ marketing schemes with the travel agents to suit their respective sales needs.
JF: Tell us how IHA might market, promote and sell.
IHA: Marketing Israel as a destinationis the prime responsibility of the government under the Ministry of Tourism with which the IHA works very closely with coordinated marketing efforts and the hotels’ activities.
The Ministry of Tourism presented the results of an international marketing survey done by Ernst & Young. It indicated an impressive potential of demand for Israel as a travel destination (more than 19 million potential interested clients) and a recommendation to invest $50 million each year in advertising and positioning Israel abroad.
The marketing system, in general, is based on an umbrella marketing and advertising campaign done by the government followed by strategic sales activities by the hotels. IHA members participate in trade shows, road shows, seminars etc., around the world. Israel has a high percentage of repeat tourism (40%) and a huge potential for first- timers, which requires ongoing development of tourist attractions, maintenance of infrastructure that we work on intensely with the Ministry.
Israel Hotel Update
Accommodations in Israel have always been varied – from Kibbutzim to boutique properties to rustic rest places in nature reserves. But, far and away, hotels are the most common option. Located throughout the country many are close to urban tourist centers, such as those in the Sheraton and Dan Hotel groups.
Starwood Positioned in Town
Starwood holds a 25% share in Sheraton’s Israel hotels making it the international hotel chain that has made the largest investment in Israel's hotel industry. At the same time, the Dan Hotels Corporation, the largest luxury hotel chain in Israel, boasts 12 properties in Israel. Together with the chain’s flagship, the King David, Jerusalem, Dan Tel Aviv is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World. JF tapped both groups for a quick update.
“It's important to note that the religious desire to visit Israel, the Holyland for the three monotheistic religions, has always been one of the important motivations to visit Israel. Recent surveys have found that other motivations are as important (i.e. history, culture, leisure, business and visiting relatives). This is one of the beauties of Israel. We offer a mosaic of a fascinating experience that touches all aspects of one's expectations from touring a country,” said Eli Gonen, president and CEO for Moriah Sheraton.
Sheraton Israel hotels have the advantage of great locations countrywide: Sheraton Tiberias on the Sea of Galilee, is close to the holy sites and therefore perfect for the religious traveler (Jewish or Christian).Sheraton Moriah Tel Aviv on the Mediterranean beachfront is not far from there the Sheraton City Tower, which is geared toward the corporate business traveler. The Sheraton Jerusalem Plaza is within walking distance to the Old City. The Kedem Towers Hotel (formerly Sheraton Four Points) provides great accommodations for pilgrims staying in Jerusalem. Going south to the lowest point on earth is the Sheraton Dead Sea, located on the beach with a wonderful spa. In Eilat, a great resort on the Red Sea, Sheraton Israel operates: Herods Vitalis, one of 30 properties belonging to Starwood's prestigious Spa Collection, and Herods Forum.
“Although the internet has become a dominant channel of the tourism business, approximately 50% of our bookings are still via travel agents. We are proud to work closely with agents and we believe that their expertise in selling Israel benefits our properties and travelers alike, ” he added. Visit www.sheraton.com
Dan Hotels Celebrates and Renovates
The legendary King David Hotel is celebrating its 75th anniversary, and is hosting an exhibition to chart its rich and textured history from 1931 to today. The King David is an integral part of Israel’s history. Inspired by ancient palaces and built by wealthy Egyptian Jews between 1929 and 1931, the building’s design accomplishments feature cedar-like pillars, decorated cornices, and giant wooden doors.
Since those doors opened, many impressive guests have strolled through them—including King George V; Jordan’s King Hussein; U.S. Presidents Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George Bush; U.K. Prime Ministers Winston Churchill, and Tony Blair; the Prince of Wales; and Warren Buffet and physicist Steven Hawking. Over the years, the hotel has also hosted Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Dreyfus, Richard Gere, and Madonna. Boasting 237 rooms and 27 suites, plus the top-notch French-style restaurant La Régence, the King David provides its guests with the highest level of comfort, style, and taste in Israel’s most vibrant city. Guests can stroll along the same halls as dignitaries and celebrities.
At the same time, Tel Aviv’s top luxury hotel – the Dan Tel Aviv – is investing $7 million in renovations. Almost 150 guestrooms have now been totally redecorated and refurnished providing guests with even more luxury and comfort. Situated by the Mediterranean the deluxe 286-room hotel has sandy beaches on one side and is a short walk from the city’s business center and Tel Aviv’s amazing nightlife.
Jacob Sudri, General Manager of the Dan Tel Aviv said, “Our new deluxe guestrooms encompass all the elegance, comfort and modern technologies that our guests enjoy and expect. This is a very exciting time for the hotel as these investments will enhance our already excellent facilities.”
Plans are underway for further improvements to the hotel that will bring the lobby and all the food and beverage outlets down to sea level leaving space on the upper floor for the business center and an enlarged conference area. Guests will be able to enjoy the magnificent sea view when relaxing in the lobby or the bar as well as the restaurants, while business travelers will benefit from an extended business area & King David VIP Lounge conveniently situated on one floor. Visit www.danhotels.com