Visit Israel

Israel is a touristic wonder with great potential. The combination of religion and history alongside culture and modernity makes this country a unique and attractive destination for diverse audiences from around the world. Israel’s importance to the three religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam – its breathtaking landscapes, the diverse characters of cities such as Jerusalem, Tel-Aviv, Tiberias and Eilat, as well as an inviting climate, all contribute to the broad spectrum of tourist opportunities available within this one small country.

The tourism industry is a significant national resource and is of great importance to the Israeli economy. Tourism contributes economically and socially to the entire population by increasing the national income, creating employment in outlying areas and job opportunities for minorities, as well as encouraging development and small businesses.

Tourism is also key to Israel’s relations with its neighbors and the world. Countries throughout the world have a common economic interest in promoting tourism, thus creating a basis for trust and common ground for cooperation among nations and individuals. Tourism agreements improve Israel’s global image and quite often lead to breakthroughs in relations with those countries. Tourists who have been to Israel return home with memories of many positive experiences and become faithful ambassadors for the State of Israel throughout the world.

Jerusalem, Israel’s capital city, is sacred to three religions and offers a combination of religion, history and culture, making it attractive to many different audiences.

The Sea of Galilee, Israel’s largest lake, offers holidays and entertainment amidst beautiful scenery. Many historical sites, with significant religious and cultural meaning, are located in the area, as are a wide range of attractions that appeal to various audiences. Eilat, Israel’s “southern gate”, is Israel’s city of tourism, incorporating wonderful weather with beautiful landscapes. The city’s most inviting feature is the Red Sea and the numerous tourist attractions that it offers.

The Ministry of Tourism works to increase tourism to Israel by marketing the country as an attractive, high quality and safe destination for tourists. The Ministry, through its offices around the world, organizes various marketing activities such as informational campaigns, fairs, seminars, public relations activity and more.

The Ministry of Tourism allocates significant funds to the establishment and improvement of tourist sites and attractions as well as to Israel’s hotel infrastructure. The Ministry is also dedicated to the quality and standards of the product the country provides for tourists, to ensure the quality of a tourist’s visit and experiences. Increased interest in Israel as a tourist destination drew some 3.5 million tourists in 2010. This trend is expected to continue in the upcoming years. The Ministry of Tourism provides solutions for the services required in these circumstances and actively markets, develops and upgrades the tourist product.

Stas Misezhnikov

Minister of Tourism

Description of the Stamps

These three stamp sheets are being issued with wide selvages displaying a complementary design motif.

The Sea of Galilee, NIS 4.20

This stamp features a view from the Mount of Beatitudes, located to the north-west of the Sea of Galilee, toward Tabgha and the Church of the Primacy of Peter. Photo: Hanan Dorfzan.

The sheet selvage features a panoramic view from the Mount Arbel area toward the Sea of Galilee, Ginosar beach, Tiberias and the southern Golan Heights. Photo: Dafna Tal.

Jerusalem, NIS 6.00

This stamp features the Tower of David and part of the Old City Wall. Photo: Meir Eshel.

The sheet selvage features a portion of the Western Wall. Photo: Shutterstock.

Eilat, NIS 6.10

This stamp features an underwater scene with a Red Sea clownfish (Amphiprion bicinctus) at the center. Photo: Shutterstock. The sheet selvage features an underwater scene

from the Eilat shore, a diver near red coral. Photo:

Technical Details