Spirit of Israel | Go Israel Conference
Archived content from 2016

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In 2013 this website was launched by the Ministry describing Israel as a unique destination for international conventions. The Israel Ministry of Tourism offered the caveat that they were not responsible for the information appearing on this site, since it was provided by third parties. Consequently the use of this web site and the responsibility therefore falls solely upon the information providers.
In 2016 this notice appeared on the site: As a result of the current geo political/security situation in Israel, which may cause cancellations of international conferences which have been planned to take place in Israel during 2016, or a decrease in the number of participants in these events, the Ministry of Tourism has decided to enable submission of requests for the “Safety Net” Procedure also for international conferences taking place during 2016.
When the site's domain registration was not renewed, Go Israel Conference disappeared from the web.

The new owners of the domain felt that much of the information that was relevant in 2016 is applicable now. Content is from the site's 2016 archived pages.

 

Spirit of Israel

Spirit of Israel

Israel, the Holy Land and cradle of civilization, is a country steeped in history and rich in cultural life. Israel is a vibrant modern country and thriving democracy known for technological innovation and ingenuity. Israel truly offers something for everyone. Turn on the speakers, watch the video to see what experiences await you in Israel.

Conventions

Not just a land of milk and honey…. Israel is a country abundant with options for unforgettable conferences and conventions, able to accommodate from 50-10,000 participants. In contrast to a land steeped in history, Israel offers ultra-modern facilities with cutting-edge A/V equipment, lighting systems, translation booths, multilingual services and infrastructure for computerized presentations.

And since today’s world is dynamic, Israel’s convention centers provide everything you need to keep pace and get your news out. Press rooms are linked to every corner of the globe through world-class communications systems that support international video conferencing and direct access to all major television networks.

Israel boasts not only a breathtaking Mediterranean coast, but also hotels with unsurpassed convention facilities: in the major cities of Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Haifa, rural towns in the northern Galilee and on the shores of the Dead Sea and Red Sea in the south. All are exceptional, with captivating locations for gala openings or closings. What’s more, Israel’s universities are equipped with top-rate conference facilities, offering unique sites for conferences.

Visitors can bask in the sunshine and revel in history, while enjoying hotel accommodations suited to all tastes and budgets – from luxury hotel chains in the main cities to spa resorts in Eilat, the Galilee and Dead Sea and pastoral settings such as kibbutz guest houses and hotels. 

And don’t forget pre- and post-congress touring, including archaeological sites, classic Holy Land tours, spa treatments, sports and desert adventures. Accompanying persons will also keep busy with endless options for sightseeing and shopping during the convention. Israel’s PCOs will gladly coordinate all services and events.

If such applications are submitted, they will be checked by the executive committee according to the Procedure, with regard to the special security situation prevailing today in Israel.

 

Incentives

Israel offers endless exciting, exotic and memorable options for incentive travel. The varied landscape provides a diverse array of outdoor activity: jeep rides in the desert, seeing the sunrise and sharing breakfast atop Masada overlooking the Dead Sea, windsurfing in the Red Sea, floating in the Dead Sea and extreme sports too. Classic Holy Land tours, including walking “in the footsteps of Jesus” along the Gospel Trail, can share the program with lavish nighttime productions in the desert, on the beach or at a unique historical site. Pamper your clients with a mud massage at the Dead Sea, a beauty treatment along the Red Sea, yoga, tai chi or even a journey into mysticism… Tel Aviv and Jerusalem are world-renowned for their scintillating nightlife, and the entertainment and cultural options are endless. For the foodies, visit boutique wineries, olive oil and cheese farms. Everything is possible within this small, but exotic, country. The sky is the limit so give your employees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!

 

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Gourmet Food & Award-Winning Wine

Taste and touch fine olive oil made in ancient and modern presses. Immerse yourself in history by traveling down the Incense Route, and by embarking on agricultural ecotourism learn why sustainable is delicious.

Hungry? There’s no shortage of fine dining experiences, with restaurants serving up international dishes and highly diverse ethnic cuisine.

 

Sports, Desert Adventure & Water Fun

Such a small country packed with geographic diversity. From easy walking tours to extreme hiking and climbing, experience the excitement of Israel in the water, on land and in the air. The options abound!

Swim with the dolphins in Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat and then relax with a fish spa pedicure. When you’re ready for more action, go scuba diving and view Eilat’s spectacular coral reefs.

But that’s not all - imagine the thrill of kayaking on the Jordan River or at Rosh HaNikra, go out on paddle boats or sail on the Jesus Boat on the Sea of Galilee.

And for those who prefer something more laid back, birdwatching in the Hula Valley, easy cycling along the beaches of Tel Aviv Beach or the Sea of Galilee are also memorable experiences.

But why stop there? Experience the power of rappelling in the desert, a jeep trek ending with dinner under the stars or an early morning breakfast watching the sunrise at Masada

The more adventurous can go mountain biking in Timna Park and extreme horseback riding in the Golan Heights. Israel also offers ample opportunity for windsurfing, hang gliding or skydiving.

Not bad for a country whose history spans millennia!

 

Music, Museums & History Come Alive

Surprise your client with a VIP tour, candlelight dinner and performance at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem or the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. Visit the holy sites in Jerusalem, Nazareth and along the Sea of Galilee, sail on the “Jesus Boat,” pray at the sacred tombs of the righteous, and be moved by the experience. Top that with visits to the archaeology sites at Acre and Caesarea to truly make history come alive!

 

Beauty Therapy & Spiritual Rejuvenation

Give your clients an opportunity to indulge in an amazing array of treatments, including a mud massage or beauty treatment of nourishing minerals from the Dead Sea, 400 meters below sea level, “the lowest natural health spa in the world,” an olive branch massage, hot stone treatment, aromatherapy massage or a relaxing warm Ayurveda treatment.

To recharge the spirit, try holistic therapies in the Western Galilee or meditation and yoga in the quiet of the Negev desert. Discover the mysteries of Jewish mysticism (Kabala) and take in some Klezmer music in the picturesque city of Safed, one of the four holy cities in Israel.

Israel: discover the spirit!

 

Business Contacts

Israel at your fingertips - Interested in additional information? Meet Israel Ministry of Tourism representatives worldwide, find Israeli PCOs and DMCs specializing in Conventions and Incentives and learn about the exciting options Israel has to offer.

Israel Ministry of Tourism Head Office:

5, Bank of Israel St., Jerusalem, Israel
Tel:  972-2-6664252
Fax: 972-2-6664410
Information: adinah@tourism.gov.il
 
Services provided:

• Promotional Materials
• Educational Trips and Site Inspections
• Convention Publicity and Delegate Boosting
• Destination Display and Promotion
• Information Kits and Welcome packs for delegates

Israeli Agents - PCOs, DMCs
Israel Ministry of Tourism Offices

The Israel Ministry of Tourism is not responsible for the information appearing on this site, provided by third parties. The use of this web site and the responsibility therefore falls solely upon the information providers.

 

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More Background On GoIsrael-Conference-And-Incentive.com

 

GoIsrael-Conference-And-Incentive.com is a narrowly focused destination-promotion website created to present Israel specifically as a host country for international conferences and incentive travel programs. Unlike general tourism portals aimed at leisure travelers, the site speaks almost exclusively to professional planners, corporate decision-makers, associations, and organizations evaluating Israel as a venue for large-scale or high-value gatherings.

The site’s tone, structure, and content reveal that it was never meant to be a news site or a constantly refreshed platform. Instead, it functions as a campaign-driven presentation, designed to communicate a clear argument: Israel combines ancient cultural depth with modern conference infrastructure, and it can support everything from small executive meetings to events with thousands of participants.

Institutional Context and Disclaimer Framework

One of the most distinctive aspects of the website is its explicit clarification of responsibility. The content repeatedly states that while the initiative was launched under the auspices of the national tourism apparatus, the Ministry of Tourism does not assume responsibility for the information supplied by third-party providers. This disclaimer is not buried in fine print; it is a core part of the site’s framing.

This structure reflects how the site was intended to operate. It acts as a connector, not a booking engine. Venues, hotels, professional conference organizers, destination management companies, and tour operators are presented as the entities that actually deliver conferences and incentive programs. The website’s role is to create confidence, spark interest, and channel inquiries toward those providers.

The “Spirit of Israel” as a Narrative Anchor

The homepage and introductory sections revolve around a recurring theme labeled “Spirit of Israel.” This phrase is not used casually. It functions as the site’s conceptual spine, tying together history, religion, innovation, and lifestyle.

The site presents Israel simultaneously as:

• The Holy Land and cradle of civilization

• A modern democratic state

• A global center for technology and innovation

• A culturally diverse society with vibrant arts, cuisine, and nightlife

Rather than separating these identities, the site deliberately merges them, suggesting that conferences held in Israel gain symbolic depth simply by taking place there.

Conferences Section: Capacity, Technology, and Global Connectivity

The “Conventions” section is the most operationally detailed portion of the site. It opens by directly challenging outdated perceptions, emphasizing that Israel is not only historic but also abundant with modern conference solutions.

Key claims presented include:

• Ability to host conferences ranging from approximately 50 to 10,000 participants

• Availability of ultra-modern facilities equipped with advanced audiovisual systems

• Multilingual services, translation booths, and computerized presentation infrastructure

• Press rooms connected to global media networks and international video conferencing

The site places particular emphasis on communications capability, signaling awareness that global conferences require real-time connectivity and media exposure.

Geographic Distribution of Conference Venues

The site does not limit Israel’s conference capacity to a single city. Instead, it repeatedly stresses geographic variety:

• Major urban centers are highlighted for large-scale events

• Northern regions are positioned for rural, scenic, or retreat-style gatherings

• Southern resort and desert areas are framed as incentive-friendly environments

This distribution supports the site’s claim that Israel can accommodate both traditional congress formats and highly customized programs.

Hotels, Universities, and Alternative Venues

Another notable feature is the inclusion of universities as conference venues. This is not a passing mention. The site explicitly states that Israeli universities offer top-rate conference facilities, presenting them as credible alternatives to hotels and convention centers.

This positioning is especially relevant for:

• Academic conferences

• Scientific and medical congresses

• Technology and research-oriented events

By including universities, the site broadens Israel’s appeal beyond corporate hospitality into intellectual and institutional credibility.

Pre- and Post-Congress Touring as a Built-In Feature

The site repeatedly integrates tourism into the conference narrative rather than treating it as an add-on. Pre- and post-congress touring is described as an expected component, not an optional extra.

Examples highlighted include:

• Archaeological tours

• Holy Land itineraries

• Spa treatments

• Sports and adventure activities

• Desert excursions

Accompanying persons are explicitly addressed, with assurances that they will have abundant sightseeing and shopping options while delegates attend meetings.

The Role of Israeli PCOs

Professional conference organizers are described as central actors who will “gladly coordinate all services and events.” This phrasing reinforces the site’s message that logistical complexity is handled locally, reducing friction for international planners.

The site frames Israeli PCOs as experienced partners capable of integrating hospitality, touring, technical production, and security considerations into a seamless program.

The 2016 Security Context and “Safety Net” Procedure

One of the most historically specific elements of the site is its discussion of geopolitical conditions affecting conferences planned for 2016. Rather than ignoring these challenges, the site documents a formal response: the availability of a “Safety Net” procedure for international conferences.

This section acknowledges:

• Potential cancellations

• Reduced participant numbers

• Heightened uncertainty

By including this material, the site becomes a record of how destination marketing adapts during periods of instability. It also demonstrates an effort to reassure planners that contingency support mechanisms existed.

Incentives Section: Experience-Driven Messaging

The “Incentives” section shifts tone from operational to experiential. Here, the site emphasizes emotional reward, exclusivity, and memorability.

Activities highlighted include:

• Desert jeep rides

• Sunrise experiences at Masada

• Windsurfing in the Red Sea

• Floating in the Dead Sea

• Extreme sports and adventure programs

The language used underscores rarity and intensity, repeatedly suggesting “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunities.

Religious, Historical, and Cultural Programming

Classic Holy Land tours are integrated into incentive programs, including routes described as walking “in the footsteps of Jesus.” This language makes clear that the site is comfortable addressing faith-based motivations alongside corporate travel.

At the same time, modern nightlife and entertainment in major cities are emphasized, reinforcing the dual identity of tradition and modernity.

Food, Wine, and Agricultural Tourism

The site devotes significant space to culinary experiences, framing them as both cultural education and sensory indulgence.

Specific themes include:

• Olive oil production using ancient and modern presses

• Boutique wineries

• Cheese farms

• Sustainable agricultural tourism

Food is positioned not merely as sustenance but as storytelling, linking contemporary Israeli cuisine to history and land.

Sports, Water, and Outdoor Diversity

A recurring argument throughout the site is Israel’s geographic compactness combined with diversity.

Within one country, the site claims access to:

• Scuba diving and coral reefs

• Kayaking rivers and coastal inlets

• Sailing historic waters

• Cycling along beaches

• Birdwatching valleys

• Desert rappelling and mountain biking

The accumulation of examples reinforces the site’s core claim: planners can deliver variety without logistical sprawl.

Music, Museums, and Living History

The site highlights cultural programming options such as:

• VIP museum tours

• Candlelight dinners and performances

• Archaeological site visits

History is framed as active and immersive rather than passive. The phrase “make history come alive” appears as a guiding idea.

Beauty Therapy and Spiritual Rejuvenation

Wellness offerings receive their own dedicated emphasis. The Dead Sea is described as a global natural spa, while other regions are promoted for meditation, yoga, and holistic therapies.

Jewish mysticism, spiritual music, and contemplative travel are presented as legitimate incentive components, not fringe interests.

Business Contacts and Ministry Services

The site concludes with a practical section listing services provided by the tourism authorities, including:

• Promotional materials

• Educational trips and site inspections

• Convention publicity

• Delegate boosting

• Information kits and welcome packs

This reinforces the site’s role as a gateway rather than a transactional platform.

Audience and Intended Use

Everything about GoIsrael-Conference-And-Incentive.com signals that it was designed for:

• Conference planners

• Incentive houses

• Corporate travel departments

• Association executives

It is not written for casual travelers. The vocabulary, examples, and structure all assume professional decision-making.

Cultural and Historical Significance of the Site

Today, the site functions as more than marketing collateral. It is a preserved example of how Israel presented itself to the international business tourism market during a specific period. Its continued availability allows researchers, planners, and marketers to study:

• Destination branding under geopolitical stress

• The integration of culture and commerce

• The evolution of conference tourism messaging

 

GoIsrael-Conference-And-Incentive.com is best understood as a campaign artifact with enduring thematic relevance. Its content is tightly focused on conferences and incentives, its language intentionally aspirational, and its structure designed to reduce planner uncertainty while amplifying opportunity.

Rather than selling a vacation, the site sells context, capability, and meaning. Even years later, it remains a clear, content-rich example of how a destination can frame itself not just as a place to meet, but as a place where meetings acquire significance.

 

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