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| TRAVEL: Allianz-AJC Third Generation Initiative In Affiliation With July 1-10, 2011 AJC and Allianz SE, one of Join us for this unique week-plus-Shabbat experience which will focus on the German past and present and challenges and opportunities in the German-Jewish relationship today and in the future. Participants will be encouraged to become active participants in the ongoing German-Jewish relationship. Cost: $600 (includes international travel, hotel, and most meals on the ground in Eligibility: Must live in NY, LA, For more information and online application: www.ajc.org/access Deadline: March 1, 2011 Before You Go Become articulate and informed: — Participate in two webinar training sessions — Receive an in-depth briefing packet with background articles and materials — Join an online group to share information and thoughts with other participants and trip leaders While In Serve as an AJC ambassador: — Experience modern — Meet with leading German politicians, parliamentarians and staff — Join discussions with Israeli and US diplomats — Interact with — Engage with Allianz colleagues; make contacts in the German business sector — Explore two of the most dynamic cities in Europe: Returning Home Engage your community: — Present your experiences locally — Submit pieces to local papers and write online — Participate in future AJC international engagement work with German journalists, military officers and diplomats — Join a prestigious alumni network and reconnect in Fall 2011
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010
July 2011 Jewish Travel to Germany, Berlin and Munich
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Sep 26 South Florida Jewish Adventure Club Catamaran Sail and Snorkel
When: Sunday, September 26 at 12:30 to 4:30 pm. Arrive by 12:30 for sign-in and boarding. Ship sails at 1:00 pm sharp!
Join us for a Catamaran ride on the Spirit of Lauderdale. We set sail up the intercoastal waters into the Atlantic Ocean.
Sails up, sea breezes and salt air increase everyone's taste for fun. We will listen to music and breaking waves provide...
To save your spot for this event, you must go to
www.facebook.com/l/5919c1jXAAOTwybkh6QPPRE9QnA;www.meetup.com/jewishadventure
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
September Israel travel
September Newsletter
Israel Offers
In this Edition....
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Mamilla - Quiz - Last question!
This month brings an end to our Mamilla Hotel quiz - so please get your answers in no later than 15th September.
Our new quiz will start in the next newsletter which will be published on 1st October, with a great prize of 2 free tickets with Jet2.com from Manchester to Tel - Aviv. We thank Jet2 for their support and we shall enjoy looking at the questions they set our subscribers each month.
Some of you may notice this month the lack of special offers - which indicates either the hotel sales managers are on holiday - or their forward reservation books for the next three or four months look good. I would go with the later - which means that most probably we can expect deals for the winter, but they will come in so late that you have already made your plans, let alone the cost of your flights will be prohibitive because it is all at the last minute. When will they learn?
El Al' new service from Ben Gurion to Eilat starting at £7.00 (plus tax) each way per person add on, has caused quite a stir and I would expect this introductory fare to last a few months - until the new service gets known and supported. So folks this really is the bargain of the month.
This month, I have included a Jewish Heritage itinerary, why you may ask? Well, the reason is simple - we are looking for a suitable leader for such a group. A leader who will be charismatic and who potential participants would like to travel with - any ideas? Click here to be considered.
I have had reason this month to get involved on behalf of some client with claims against a few low cost airlines owing to cancelled flights. The most important thing if you have a claim is to keep every receipt for extra hotel accommodation, meals and transportation and if you had to fly with an alternative airline then you must keep the boarding card. Believe me, they are not rushing to refund you and they look for every loophole not to!
Mickey Federmann, Chairman of the Dan Hotels Corporation recently unveiled the plaque outside the group's newest hotel – the Dan Jerusalem. The hotel – the largest in Jerusalem is situated on Mount Scopus and provides wonderful views of Jerusalem and the surrounding areas. Purchased at a cost of $47 million this property has become the Dan's fourth Jerusalem hotel. The Dan's flagship is the world renowned King David, a member of The Leading Hotels of the World, and home to all visiting dignitaries and celebrities from overseas. Dan Hotels, which has been leading the Israeli tourist industry for over 60 years, now has 1161 guest-rooms in the country's capital, and as Ami Hirschstein, the company's President commented: "Adding this hotel to our chain shows our optimism and commitment for future tourism to Jerusalem. We are planning to invest another 20 million NIS over the next couple of years to renovate and upgrade the hotel so that it meets the Dan's high standards."
Also present at the opening ceremony was Nir Barkat, Jerusalem's mayor who came to convey good wishes and congratulations on behalf of the people of Jerusalem who have watched the group grow and develop alongside the State of Israel.
The Dan Jerusalem is situated on the slopes of Mt. Scopus near the Hebrew University and Hadassah Medical Center and is only a seven minute drive to the city center and 40 minutes to Ben-Gurion International Airport. It is within easy reach of major tourist attractions and entertainment venues in both the old and newer parts of Jerusalem.
Within the hotel is Jerusalem's largest Spa facility. Open daily (with the option for men and women hours only), there are two swimming pools – one inside (open all year round) and one outside (only open during the summer months), a modern well equipped fitness room and a wide range of luxurious beauty treatments. Afterwards guests can relax in the Jacuzzi or wet or dry sauna, or visit the authentic Turkish bath.
The Dan Jerusalem Hotel can provide different venues for conferences and banquets, ranging in size from 25 – 500 people. The vast pool area and two attractive Mediterranean terraces are perfect options for outdoor venues. The hotel houses several pieces of attractive and unusual pieces of art, displayed around the hotel's public areas. With 505 luxury guest-rooms, the extra facilities and amenities available and now under the auspices of the award winning Dan Hotels Corporation the Dan Jerusalem is sure to be a great success.
Busy Rosh Hashana expected in Eilat
The Israel Hotel Association expects an 80% hotel occupancy rate nationwide over Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year) holiday in September. The Hotel Association expects the occupancy rate in Eilat and the Dead Sea hotels to reach 90-95%, reach 85-90% at kibbutz guest houses, and up to 90% in Haifa.
However, the Hotel Association expects an occupancy rate of just 70% in Tel Aviv hotels, and 65% in Jerusalem.
Hotel Association director general Shmuel Zuriel said, "Jerusalem and Tel Aviv mainly rely on foreign tourists, not domestic tourism, so traditionally they have lower occupancy rates over Rosh Hashana."
The Hotel Association expects hotels in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to have low occupancy rates over Sukkot as well: just 50% in Tel Aviv and 70% in Jerusalem. Zuriel said, "This is rather disappointing, as Sukkot in Jerusalem is traditionally considered a sought-after holiday by evangelical pilgrims. As for Tel Aviv, this is a repeated pattern: fewer businesspeople, who normally stay at hotels in Tel Aviv, come to Israel during September, affecting hotel occupancy rates."
easyJet launches Tel Aviv-Basel route
easyJet plc one of the world's low-cost pioneers, has inaugurated a Tel Aviv-Basel route, with three weekly flights on Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Fares begin at €35.90 (about NIS 170) one-way.
In practice, however, the number of seats at this fare are very limited, as usual with low-cost airlines. The flights leave Ben Gurion Airport at 1:40 pm and arrive at 17:20 pm.
easyJet is also expanding its route between Ben Gurion Airport and Luton Airport north of London to include a Friday flight. The airline will now make seven weekly flights on this route, up from six. From the end of the month, easyJet will operate four weekly flights between Tel Aviv and Geneva.
easyJet is currently Britain's largest airline, and the fourth largest in Europe, carrying 46 million passengers in 2009. It began flying to Israel in November 2009.
As a low-cost airline, easyJet sells tickets on its website. Each fare has a very limited number of seats. Passengers must also pay for additional services, including luggage handling at check-in.
Belying the promises of especially low fares, an investigation found that "low cost" is not necessarily cheapest. For example, for the week of Rosh Hashana (September 6-13), reservations on British Airways for full service flights from Tel Aviv to London are more than 10% cheaper than the limited service flights on its rival, easyJet.
British Airways is offering a round-trip fare of $688 between Ben Gurion Airport and Heathrow (including meals and luggage handling). El Al Israel Airlines Ltd. is offering a round-trip fare of $721 to London. easyJet's fare is ₤490 (about $760), not including meals and luggage, to the more distant airport at Luton.
MINISTRY OF TOURISM STATISTICS FIRST QUARTER 2010
I have taken a few to compare against the UK
Jan. Feb Mar Total 3 months 2009 total 2008 total
UK 9,218 11,656 17,995 38,869 172,409 187,059
France 11,514 20,603 24,833 56,950 260,780 263,517
USA 41,488 37,163 58,109 136,760 548,034 616,567
Just looking at the above extraction - there are a few interesting points:-
1. The French are way ahead of the UK in spite of the fact that our population figures are similar. This is down to the huge traditional support from the much larger French Jewish community. Which is highlighted by the marginal drop in 2009 compared to 2008.
2. The USA is 5 times larger than the UK and looks as if in simple statistical terms, they have a long way to go to realise their full potential.
Tel Aviv's first tourist trap
The transformed Hatahana train station on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa border joins the ranks of Capri's Blue Grotto.
In Tel Aviv, as a string of complexes geared toward entertainment, culture, tourism and shopping near their completion, the battle over public space, leisure habits and resources invested has reached its peak. Only time will tell if the pockets of resistance to the sweeping trend will persevere. In the meantime, the theme parks abound.
The complex at the Tel Aviv Port has established itself as the country's yuppie stronghold; the Jaffa Port, which the city's Arab residents have again been deprived of, is trying to find its way; Tel Aviv's Sarona complex, the former Templer colony, is taking shape as another luxury area featuring a park, a preservation, office towers and elegant residences; and on the Tel Aviv-Jaffa border, the old train station Hatahana was recently refurbished and is shaping up as the city's first tourist trap worthy of the name.
First the White City, the beach and the vibrant night life were enlisted to help the causes of tourism, real estate and branding. Now the Hatahana complex is picking up the slack, keeping pace with leading tourist traps around the world.
While tourist traps may have acquired a bad reputation, they do give sites added value. With the many charms of the Italian island of Capri - its fragrant lemon orchards, wonderful vistas and Axel Munthe's grand Villa San Michele - none come close to the Blue Grotto, the mother of all tourist traps.
Millions sail all the way to the cave, hold their breath as they make their way through the scary entrance and part with their hard-earned money only to find that it's barely a cave and hardly blue. Those who return from Capri keep this well-kept secret to themselves, perhaps because they don't want to admit to having fallen for the trap or simply because it makes no difference.
A tourist trap is an experience of its own, leaving its own unique mark in the photo album and in one's memory - just as much as the real thing, if not more so. After all, without its Blue Grotto, Capri would be just another run-of-the-mill tourist site.
Parting tourists from their money
Like every self-respecting tourist trap, Hatahana is also purporting to be the real thing. While the complex is marketed as a historic site "that preserved its original character," after not functioning as a train station for some time, what remains are prehistoric background props. This gives off an effect resembling the television series "The Flintstones," which created a kind of taste of the schizophrenia of modern life during the Stone Age.
No trains or vehicles travel along the train tracks, preserving their original character, while the station's surrounding facilities have been turned into cafes, boutiques, a souvenir shop and one store with nothing - which no self-respecting tourist trap would be without. The complex was mistakenly crowned "the next hot thing in Tel Aviv." But a tourist trap is a tourist trap; the cooler revelers will see through the forgery and stay away. Tourists from Paris or Rishon Letzion, however, will innocently wander through the refurbished area, scan through clothes selling for the price of a mortgage, search in vain for something else of interest and agree "Wow, look how nice they made this place."
From the start, one could have guessed that Hatahana was destined for commercialization. Residents of nearby Neve Tzedek called for the complex to be allocated for educational institutions to serve the needs of the community, but this was rejected. Around five years ago, the renovation plans were disclosed by the Tel Aviv municipality, the owner of the land, at a well-publicized event. At that event "the complex" was on one side, in its last moments of unrealized charm; on the other side, developers considering the land's inherent potential longed, as in every tourist trap, to separate the tourist from his money. Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai said at the time, if memory serves correct, that one day "a place" of its own would open there. As far as anyone knows, Huldai has no business of his own there, but the plans were realized.
Perhaps Hatahana could not have become anything else than what it is today. Like every architectural-historical treasure in the world that has exhausted its original purpose, its fate fluctuates between two extremes: razing and destruction, or alternately, preservation and overload. Demolition is considered barbaric, but on the other hand, preservation, with all its cultural and aesthetic value, is a fast track toward commercialization, development, higher prices and tourist traps.
Tel Aviv has not reinvented the wheel. Anyone who's traveled abroad is familiar with tourist traps in the guise of preservation projects. Many even seek them out and have their reasons for doing so. It could be campaigns marketing "authenticity" (subsidized by the local tourism ministry ), quaint "historical" German villages or "traditional" fishing villages. Hatahana now joins this illustrious group.
Both sides of the equation
The synthetic feel of the refurbished Hatahana is another indication it has become a tourist trap. Except in Israel, unlike in the quaint German village, there is no reason to worry. The locals will not leave the complex in the same condition as when it first opened for long. Before the area has been filled completely, it's already apparent there has been some deviation from the preservation guidelines, as well as clashes between preservation and function. Add in natural wear and tear and minimal maintenance, and it won't be long before the complex is authentic the way no other tourist trap has managed to be. One can already imagine stalls and stands - and not the kind found in the organic market on Fridays, with yuppies in front of windows displaying brand-name fashions, colorful umbrellas, t-shirts at closeout prices. When that happens, perhaps the complex will longer be the next hot thing in Tel Aviv, but it will at least be lively.
The illusion behind Hatahana is not in the harmless trap it has set for tourists, but in the declarations that have accompanied it from the start: that it would connect Tel Aviv and Jaffa. This is a task assigned to every development project on the border between the two cities, a border that has only grown thicker over the years.
With regard to Hatahana, these are cynical, empty statements that mock the locals. The complex is another brick in the wall separating Tel Aviv from Jaffa, one which camouflages itself with forced innocence as a venue for culture, art, leisure and the like for the general public. This is not the way to develop a connecting link, this is not the way to repair the divide between Jewish Tel Aviv and Arab Jaffa, this is not the way to do historical justice - which could have seen both sides of the equation thriving, beyond the commercial success of another exclusive boutique.
Eilat hoteliers believed that Israelis who were planning vacations in Turkey would come to them instead, and raised prices, but the tourists did not come.
Hopes that Israelis would take summer vacations in Eilat rather than Antalya following tensions with Turkey did not materialize in July, and it is now clear that things will be the same in August as well. Hebrew daily "Ma'ariv" reports that, for the first time in many years, Eilat's hotels are not full in August, and that the an average occupancy rate is 80%.
Ophir Tours deputy CEO Yehuda Zafrani said that Eilat hoteliers had believed that Israelis who were planning vacations in Turkey would come to them instead. The hotels therefore raised prices, but the tourists did not come, as Israelis chose not to take costly vacations.
Eilat's hotels are now launching last-minute discounts of up to 30% to persuade Israelis to go to the resort town. Club Med Eilat, for example, has cut the price for a couple from NIS 1,800 a night to NIS 1,350.
JEWISH HERITAGE TOUR – Wednesday arrival (11 nights)
Wednesday - Ben Gurion Airport / Tel Aviv
Arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, where you will be met by a Diesenhaus Unitours representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Thursday - Independence Hall / Mini Israel / Latrun / Yad Mordechai
Start the day with a visit to the Independence Hall where the establishment of the State of Israel was declared; Next, drive to Latrun to visit the new "Mini Israel" park including miniature models of the most important sites and buildings in the country. Continue to visit the Ayalon Institute, once an ammunition factory for the Hagana, the underground movement before May 1948.Proceed to Yad Mordechai, named after Mordechai Anilevitz, leader of the Warsaw Ghetto; Visit the restored battle fields of the war of liberation and learn about their heroic story. Overnight in Tel-Aviv.
Friday – Tel Aviv
Visit the Diaspora museum. Drive around the main streets of Tel Aviv, center of business and entertainment of Israel. Stop at Rabin's Square, place of assassination of Prime Minister Itzhak Rabin. Continue to Old Jaffa, an 8000 year old port city; Visit the ancient ruins and walk around the restored artist's quarter. Visit Neve Tzedek, the first neighborhood of Tel Aviv, built in 1909 and Nahalat Benyamin, the pedestrian street of the city with its musicians, hand made jewellery and artifacts. Next, stop at Sheinkin, the lively and colorful street especially known for its unique shops, café life and youthful ambiance. Overnight in Tel-Aviv.
Saturday - At leisure
Overnight in Tel Aviv.
Sunday - Caesarea / Beit Shearim / Haifa / Acre
Drive north to Caesarea, once the Roman capital of the region. See the excavations of the Crusaders' city, the Roman Aqueduct and the amphitheatre which has been restored as a concert venue. Proceed to Haifa for a panoramic view from Mt. Carmel and visit "AF AL PI CHEN", the naval museum of the illegal immigration to Israel at the time of the British mandate. Drive to Acre; walk along the old harbor and local market. Continue to the northernmost point of Israel at Rosh Hanikra. Descend by cable car into the limestone Grottos. Overnight in a Kibbutz guesthouse.
Monday - Safed / Tel Facher / Banias / Tel Dan / Tel Hai
Drive to Safed, centre of Kaballa movement; Visit the JOSEPH CARO and the HA' ARI synagogues, the most important synagogues in the city; stroll around the Artist's quarter. Enjoy a Jeep tour to the foot of the Golan Heights. Continue to the Golan Heights, visiting an observation point over the city of Kuneitra, and the Syrian territory. Stop at Tel Facher, a former Syrian army camp; Visit the Banias springs. Next, a visit to Tel-Hai; See the "Roaring Lion" monument and learn about the heroic battle of Josef Trumpeldor and his comrades in 1920. Overnight in a kibbutz guesthouse.
Tuesday - Beit Shean / Beit Alpha / Gan Hashlosha / Jerusalem
Drive to Tiberias to visit Rambam's grave. Proceed to Beit Shean, also called "Scythopolis", the biggest archeological park in Israel with beautiful excavations from Roman and Byzantine periods. Stop at Beit Alpha to see the beautiful mosaic floor of a Byzantine synagogue. On to Gan Hashlosha, (Sachne) where you will have an opportunity to enjoy the water springs located at the foot of the Gilboa mountain, the famous mountain where King Saul was killed in the battle against the Philistines. Continue via the Jordan valley to Jerusalem. Stop at Mount Scopus for a blessing as you enter the city. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Wednesday - Jerusalem: The Old City
Tour the old city of Jerusalem. Start with a visit to the tomb of King David on Mount Zion. Walk along the Cardo, the ancient Roman road; Visit the four Sepharadic synagogues in the Jewish quarter, all beautifully restored after 1967 war. Tour the Kotel Tunnels; Visit the Davidson Center and walk through the Cardo, to the local Arab bazaar. Walk through Jaffa gate to the David's Tower museum to see the ancient remains of the city beginning with the first Temple period. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Thursday - Jerusalem: The New City
Celebrate the Bar-Mitzvah ceremonies at the Kotel (Wailing Wall). Continue to Mea Shearim and learn about the unique lifestyle of the Ultra orthodox communities. Drive by the Knesset, Israel's parliament and see the Menorah with the biblical emblems. Next, visit the Israel Museum, the Shrine of the Book where the Dead sea scrolls are housed and the new Holyland Model – a miniature replica of Jerusalem as it was during the Second Temple period. Drive to mount Herzl, the military cemetery and Yad Vashem, the memorial to the Holocaust. Visit Ammunition Hill, a former Jordanian army stronghold that was conquered by the Israeli army in the Six Day War and converted into a national memorial site and museum. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Friday - Qumeran / Massada / Dead Sea
Drive through the Judean desert to the Dead Sea. Stop at Qumeran, the site where the Dead Sea scrolls were found. Continue to Massada, ascend by cable car and tour the ancient fortress, visiting the remains of the walls, palaces, synagogue, the bathhouses etc. Descend by cable car.
Next stop is for lunch and Spa facilities at one of the leading hotels in the area. Overnight in Jerusalem.
Saturday - At leisure
Overnight in Jerusalem.
Sunday - Jerusalem / Ben Gurion Airport.
After breakfast, transfer to Ben Gurion Airport for departure.
Holiday insurance warning for travellers to Europe
If you're travelling to Europe this summer and you forget this essential holiday item, you'll be in big trouble!
Imagine this. You're having a wonderful time on holiday, somewhere in Europe. Suddenly disaster strikes. You hurt yourself, badly, and need to go to hospital – where you're charged hundreds and hundreds of pounds for the treatment you receive.
But you're OK. You've got travel insurance. No need to worry about the cost of it all. Right?
Wrong.
There was one crucial thing you forgot to pack. Something much more important than sunscreen, teabags and all the other things you actually remembered: an EHIC.
What's an EHIC? It stands for European Health Insurance Card, and entitles the citizens of the European Union to access public sector healthcare (e.g. a doctor, a pharmacy or a hospital) for free, as if you were a national of the country you are visiting. So as well as the emergency care you need, you will get hospital treatment for things most travel insurance policies won't cover you for – such as maternity care or managing the symptoms of a pre-existing or chronic condition that arises while you're abroad.
It's free to get, but it's not a replacement for travel insurance as it won't cover you for cancellation, baggage cover and, most importantly, air ambulance back to the UK, which can cost £15 a minute and lead to huge bills.
Plus, even with an EHIC, you may find you are forced to pay for the treatment upfront and then go through the painful process of trying to get a refund while you are in the country, or even worse, after returning home. Problems with the card's reimbursement process have been reported in Spain, Slovakia, Denmark, Hungary, Austria, Slovenia, Liechtenstein, Germany and Bulgaria, with the European Commission currently investigating why this is happening.
So, the fact is, you still need travel insurance. But don't assume you can take out a decent policy and not bother with the card. This week, it's emerged that increasing numbers of travel insurers are refusing to offer travellers any cover if they travel to Europe without a valid EHIC.
This means that, if you take out a travel insurance policy and fail to read the small print, and that small print states you must have an EHIC, you could later find that any claim you make on the policy is rejected.
Worst of all, even if you have an EHIC, you may find it's expired. It's only valid for five years and then you have to renew it.
On the positive side, some insurers will now agree to waive the excess (typically £50 to £100) on claims where you do have a valid EHIC which you have used to get free treatment.
That's why, at lovemoney.com, we are warning travellers who plan to go to Europe this summer to apply for the EHIC today - before it's too late.
Here's everything you need to know about EHIC when travelling in Europe.
Which countries does the EHIC cover?
Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. It doesn't cover the Channel Islands.
How can I get one?
The EHIC is free to get and can be kept with your passport. To get one, you need a national insurance number or NHS number. You can apply for one online via www.ehic.org.uk – be careful to apply using that address as there are scam sites out there. Alternatively, apply over the phone by calling 0845 606 2030 (or if you hate 0845 numbers, like I do, call the cheaper alternative 0191 212 7500) or pick up a form from the Post Office. Parents, remember each child must have their own card. The process takes less than five minutes and the card will be sent to you by post.
How do I use it to get treatment?
Simply hand it over to the doctor, hospital or pharmacist when you need treatment. If they claim not to accept it, stand your ground and use consular services if necessary. You may need to pay upfront and then claim it back. Try to get a refund before you go home, but if this is not practical, call the NHS Overseas Healthcare team on 0191 218 1999 to get a form for a refund.
National Geographic ranks Tel Aviv among world's top beach cities
'Call it Miami Beach on the Med. Tel Aviv is the Dionysian counterpart to religious Jerusalem.'
They may be hot, crowded and swarming with jellyfish, but Tel Aviv beaches are apparently a world-class asset.
National Geographic yesterday published a list of the world's 10 best beach cities and rated Tel Aviv alongside Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Nice (on the French Riviera ) and Cape Town.
The prestigious magazine's article says: "Call it Miami Beach on the Med. Tel Aviv is the Dionysian counterpart to religious Jerusalem. In the 'bubble,' as it's known for its inhabitants' tendency to tune out regional skirmishes, some restaurants, discos, and clubs are open until dawn.
By day, the scene shifts to the city's promenade and eight miles (13 kilometers ) of beach literally steps from town."
Tourism Ministry Seeks 'Floating Voters' for Dead Sea Contest
The Dead Sea is great for floaters, but no floating voters are allowed, say tourism officials, who want your vote to make the "lowest point on Earth" officially one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World."
As part of its global marketing effort to promote the Dead Sea as a unique tourist destination and as a finalist in the New7Wonders of Nature online campaign, the ministry has launched a dedicated multi-lingual Dead Sea website. It also has posted a social media campaign to include Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Under the slogan "The Deepest Wonder of the World", the English-language website will shortly be available in Russian, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. It also will link to the campaign voting pages and serve as an information resource about the region and the Dead Sea's candidacy in the New7Wonders of Nature contest.
Visitors to the website can access information on the natural, religious, historical and cultural sites in the Dead Sea area as well as accommodation, attractions and the Dead Sea's health remedies.
Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said, "The Dead Sea, one of Israel's natural and tourism treasures, offers visitors a unique experience rich in history, archaeology and wellness. With this online campaign, we invite veteran fans and supporters of the Dead Sea, and those who are discovering it for the first time, to visit and vote for it in the campaign."
The Dead Sea has consistently remained among the top 14 of the 28 finalists since the final stage of the New7Wonders of Nature campaign began in July 2009. Other finalists include the Amazon River, the Galapagos Islands, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef and the Maldives.
About a billion votes are expected to be cast before campaign ends on November 11, 2011 and it is estimated that the winning seven finalists will need to secure about 300-400 million votes.
Q. What is the best cruise line/ship?
A. There is the short answer and the long one. Lets start with the 'long one' You might as well ask me 'What is the best hotel?' The answer really relates more to your taste and appreciation of service. So because it is very personal, it is impossible really for me to answer the question unless you add - 'for you'.
So the best cruise line for me is the Azamara Club Cruises and the best ship - is the Azamara Quest. Smaller than the huge cruise ships - with premium service - best cuisine and because it is a smaller ship you get to visit a wider range of ports of call. Having just returned from a great cruise with them you will see my article about my experience next month.
QUIZ THE MAMILLA HOTEL
The Latest 5 star deluxe hotel to open in Jerusalem!
Located in the heart of the City, with magnificent views of the Old City walls, the Tower of David, Jaffa Gate, and alongside Jerusalem's new shopping and entertainment experience, the Alrov Mamilla Avenue. Mamilla Hotel, the newest of luxury hotels in Jerusalem, brings world-class superior design and lifestyle hospitality to Jerusalem and Israel. Guests and visitors will enjoy exceptional accommodations together with exclusive restaurant and bar venues, holistic well-being spa and gym, as well as events and banqueting spaces, that blend sophistication and modern international style with the unique and rich culture of Jerusalem.
The prize…. The Mamilla Hotel agree to give the winner of the competition – 1 twin bedded room on bed and breakfast basis for 4 nights arriving on a Thursday and departing on a Monday on a complimentary basis. The following conditions apply.
The validity of the prize is from 1st October 2010 till 1st March 2011
The prize is subject to availability and excludes peak periods, religious and national holidays.
The prize has no cash value
The prize in non transferable.
Question 1. What is the name of the Mamilla Hotel's sister property in Jerusalem?
Question 2. What and where is Mamilla?
Question 3. What specific feature will run throughout this hotel?
Question 4. The Mamilla Hotel is part of which hotel group?
Question 5. Name three of the hotels restaurants and/or bars.
Question 6. What is the name of the general manager of the hotel?
Question:7. How many rooms does the Mamilla Hotel have?
Question 8. On what street is the hotel located?
Question 9. What is the grading of the hotel?
Question 10. The hotel has a unique feature between the bedroom and the bathroom - what is it?
Question 11. How long is the walk from the hotel to the Old City of Jerusalem?
LAST QUESTION!
Question 12. In no more than 50 words - please state why you wish to stay at the Mamilla Hotel
Rules:
Each month a new question will be set till the 12th month and the last question.
Closing date for all the 12 answers to be in is 15th September 2010
The correct answers and name of the winner will be published in the Israel Offers Newsletter for October 2010
Answers can be submitted by e-mail or posted to: -
ITS, 429 – 430 Royal Exchange, Old Bank Street, Manchester M2 7EP. The judges will not enter into any correspondence regarding the quiz
The judges are made up from Management representatives of ITS and The Mamilla Hotel Jerusalem
Visit our booking one stop shop Israel web site – www.israelin1.com - well worth a 'surf!' Besides our reservations department dedicated to the individual traveller to Israel, we also have departments that handle cruises and specialist group bookings. Our groups department handles all types of groups on a worldwide basis. From pilgrimages to weddings* and from study tours to trade missions to our most popular escorted tours.
Should you book a wedding/bar mitzvah group with us – we contribute £10.00 for each person (booked on a package) who attends the function, in order to present a cheque for the bride/groom/bar mitzvah, as a present. So, if say 40 people flew to Israel and stayed in hotels, to attend your family function, we would present you with a cheque of £400.00 made out to the person celebrating!
To arrange your bat/bar mitzvah in Israel you should contact Tony Sachs at Jerusalem Property Management Services, 33 King George St. POB 7217Jerusalem 91071 Tel: +972-2-6245977; Fax: +972-2-6234484; Mobile: +972-52-5319292; Email: jpms@netvision.net.il; Web: http://www.jpms.co.il
To book your flights, hotel accommodation, car hire, airport car parking and travel insurance click here
Our reservations department handles bookings for individuals to Israel, to include fly drive, flights, and hotel accommodation and regular day tours.
We also produce a Newsletter for the pilgrim market - you can subscribe by going to our web site and on our home page following the link www.itstravel.co.uk
Not forgetting that we are bonded with ABTA as a tour operator (V1178) and as a travel agent (C6694), we are also licensed with the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 2893) and an accredited IATA agent (91284771). So your payments are 100% protected, our professionalism is assured and you are getting the best value, for we are licensed to deal directly with the airlines and all the supplier.
Regards
Adrian
For more details on anything related to this newsletter call
Free phone 0800 0181 839
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