JERUSALEM, Israel – Israel is making significant investments in tourism infrastructure, hospitality, and visitor experiences as international travel to the country continues to recover. In June 2026, Israel welcomed 34,700 visitors from the United States and Canada, representing a 73 percent increase compared to the same period last year despite limited airline capacity, signaling renewed momentum from one of Israel’s most important inbound tourism markets.
Building upon that growth, the Israel Ministry of Tourism is advancing a series of major initiatives designed to enhance the visitor experience while supporting long-term tourism development across the country.
Among the projects are new luxury hotels, a modern cruise terminal, expanded airport facilities, investments in agritourism and culinary tourism, and major improvements to some of Israel’s most significant religious and historical sites.
“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,” said 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, travelers will find more opportunities than ever to connect with the many stories that make Israel unique.”
Major Tourism Infrastructure Projects Underway
One of the most significant developments is the recent allocation of approximately $12 million USD to strengthen tourism infrastructure in Eilat. The investment forms part of a five-year development plan extending through 2030 that aims to strengthen the region’s tourism sector while improving the quality of life for residents.
Israel has also opened a new state-of-the-art cruise terminal at the Port of Haifa. Officially inaugurated in May 2026, the facility was designed to accommodate two mega cruise ships simultaneously and is expected to welcome as many as one million passengers annually.
The development further strengthens Haifa’s position as a gateway for international tourism while complementing broader investments taking place throughout northern Israel.
At Ben Gurion Airport, Terminal 3 is undergoing a significant expansion that will include a new eastern passenger terminal, upgraded security and baggage handling facilities, additional commercial space, restaurants, and airline check-in areas designed to improve the overall passenger experience.
Adding to the airport’s transformation, Brown Hotels has received approval to construct the area’s first five-star hotel, scheduled to open in 2028. The seven-story property will feature approximately 260 rooms, a rooftop complex overlooking the airport, a swimming pool, spa facilities, and conference spaces.
Culinary, Wine and Religious Tourism Continue to Grow
Israel’s tourism strategy extends beyond traditional sightseeing experiences.
The Negev wine region recently received international recognition as a Protected Geographical Indication designation. Home to more than 60 wineries and vineyards producing over one million bottles annually, the recognition celebrates both the region’s ancient winemaking heritage and its emergence as a modern wine destination.
The Galilee Culinary Institute by JNF is scheduled to open before the end of 2026 as the world’s only fully kosher culinary institution of its kind. In addition to serving as a culinary school, the institute will offer immersive tourism experiences that include cooking programs, fine dining, and working farm experiences for visitors from around the world.
Meanwhile, Kasr el Yahud, one of Christianity’s most important pilgrimage destinations located along the Jordan River, is undergoing approximately $8 million USD in renovations. Improvements will include expanded parking, upgraded facilities, shaded prayer areas, and enhanced accessibility designed to accommodate growing numbers of pilgrims and tourists.
Biblical Heritage Meets Modern Tourism
Israel is also advancing plans to transform Highway 60 into “The Bible Road,” a national tourism initiative designed to connect visitors with the country’s biblical and historical heritage.
Stretching from Be’er Sheva to Nof Hagalil, the project will include visitor centers, panoramic observation points, multilingual educational materials, and enhanced tourism infrastructure intended to make biblical history more accessible to visitors from all backgrounds.
Luxury tourism continues to expand as well.
Fattal Hotel Group recently opened The Yacht luxury resort on the Herzliya Marina. The 325-room property combines luxury accommodations, fine dining, wellness experiences, and contemporary Israeli art exhibitions.
Near Jerusalem, Kassland opened its doors in May 2026 as an all-season resort destination featuring luxury accommodations, thermal spa facilities, and one of the Middle East’s largest indoor water parks.
Isrotel has additionally announced investments totaling approximately $1 billion USD in luxury hotels and glamping sites throughout Israel, including new developments in Eilat, the Sea of Galilee region, and the Ramon Crater.
Investing in Northern Israel
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, together with the Tnufa LeZafon Directorate, has announced an additional $3.5 million USD investment in agritourism initiatives throughout the Galilee.
The funding will support projects through 2029 that connect visitors directly with local communities through farm tours, culinary experiences, self-picking orchards, and interactive visitor centers showcasing locally produced agricultural products.
The initiative reflects Israel’s broader commitment to ensuring that tourism development benefits communities across the country while preserving their unique cultural and historical identities.
Looking Ahead
The Israel Ministry of Tourism’s latest investments reflect a comprehensive strategy that combines modern infrastructure, cultural heritage, luxury hospitality, and sustainable development.
As international travel continues its recovery, Israel is positioning itself not only as a destination of extraordinary historical and spiritual significance, but also as a leader in culinary, wellness, and experiential tourism.
For North American travelers, the message is clear. Israel is investing not only in attracting visitors, but in ensuring that every journey offers new opportunities to experience the country’s remarkable diversity, innovation, and enduring connection between its ancient past and dynamic future.
For more information regarding tourism opportunities throughout Israel, the Israel Ministry of Tourism invites travelers to visit its official tourism portal at israel.travel.
