JERUSALEM'S CONVENTION CENTER TO UNDERGO MASSIVE RENOVATIONS

In a move to put it on par with the world's best convention centers, the Jerusalem International Convention Center (JICC) will undergo an estimated $80 million in renovations in 2009, doubling the size of the combined 190,000-square-foot space. The convention center, located in Jerusalem, has hosted thousands of performances and conferences since its incarnation in 1950. In addition, $100 million will be invested by a private developer to construct a new five-star hotel and commercial complex.

BEACHFRONT PROMENADE GETS MAKEOVER FOR TEL AVIV'S 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

With the 100th anniversary of Tel Aviv approaching, plans to revitalize the Shlomo Lahat Promenade, the long boardwalk stretching along the gorgeous Mediterranean shoreline, have been announced this month. The estimated $75 million project will expand the promenade to 8 ½ miles all the way along the coast from Bat Yam through Jaffa and Tel Aviv to Herzliya. Upon completion, the walkway will connect several of the city's parks and boast new restaurants and shops.

BAHA'I GARDENS DESIGNATED UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE

The Baha'i Gardens in Haifa was recently selected an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 9th location in Israel to be awarded the title. The Baha'i holy sites, which include the Baha'i Gardens and the Shrine of Báb on Mt. Carmel, are considered modern wonders of the world. The golden dome of the Shrine, along with the gardens' intricately planted flowers, topiary and unique network of terraces, stand as Haifa's most instantly recognizable landmark.

HAIFA TOURISM LAUNCHES SPECIAL INCENTIVE FOR NORTH AMERICAN VISITORS

Visitors from the US and Canada traveling in Israel this fall will now have a few more reasons to linger awhile in the Mediterranean port town of Haifa.  From September 1 to December 31, 2008, visitors who book three or more nights at Haifa's Dan Hotels, the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Le Meridien Haifa or the Nof Hotel will receive the following "extras": A choice of up to 4 full-day excursions in either Haifa, Caesarea, Akko or Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee; a book of coupons for shopping in Haifa; and one free lunch or dinner at the participating hotel.  In order to qualify, reservations must be made by the travel agent at least 3 days prior to arrival, directly through the Haifa Tourist Board.

RECORD NUMBER OF TOURISTS LAND IN TEL AVIV

WORLD-RENOWNED SUSHI EMPIRE TO OPEN FIRST HOSPITALITY SUITE IN ISRAEL

The world-famous Nobu Hospitality Group recently announced plans to open the "Nobu Hotel and Residences" on the Herzliya Marina in June 2010. The innovative vacation spot will combine luxury hospitality with one of the world's finest sushi restaurants in a new-age Japanese art-deco style. The Nobu Herzliya will feature 225 rooms, 12 penthouses, and 9 duplexes, just 20 minutes away from the heart of Tel Aviv.

EILAT TO HOST WORLD-CLASS JAZZ FESTIVAL

Eilat, Israel's Riviera-on-the-Red Sea, will host the 22nd annual Red Sea International Jazz Festival from August 25th to 28th. This year's festival will feature top Israeli jazz musicians and international performers such as the Grammy Award-winning Oregon Quartet, veteran pianist Carla Bley and her Lost Chord Band, and John Fedchock's NY Sextet. The unique festival will also offer free open jam sessions to promote collaboration between Israeli and international players, performed around the city's port area.