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January Highlights

Photo: Rony Balahsan

A new hotel in Eilat for adults only Roxon Hotels have recently opened a new hotel in Eilat, the Roxon Red Sea Eilat, which offers a unique and luxurious hospitality experience, designed for guests aged 18 and above only. The hotel offers 168 spacious and carefully designed rooms, combining a relaxed atmosphere with views of the Red Mountains, as well as personalized and pampering service in all entertainment areas, including the hotel restaurant, which serves indulgent breakfasts until 12:00, a lobby bar, a wine and cigar room, a billiard room, a fully equipped gym, and a swimming pool open until late in the evening.

Romania and Bulgaria join the EU’s Schengen travel zone Romania and Bulgaria partially joined Europe’s ID-check-free travel zone in March 2024, after years of negotiations to join the Schengen area. There is now free access for travelers arriving by air or sea from both countries. However, land border checks will remain in place. Citizens of Romania and Bulgaria will now be able to travel freely within the Schengen area, which stretches from Portugal in the west to Greece in the east, from Iceland in the north to Malta in the south, and tourists will be able to enjoy open borders.

Israelis now need an ETA to enter the UK |

As of January 8, Israeli tourists flying to the UK will have to fill out an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) form. This is an online entry permit for citizens from visa-exempt countries who wish to travel to the UK for short-term visits (tourism, business or short-term studies), or transit. The ETA allows border authorities to pre-screen passengers before they board the flight, thus improving security and efficiency. Israelis traveling to the UK (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland) have been able to apply for an ETA since November 27, with the system officially coming into effect on January 8 th . The cost of an ETA is £10 and is non refundable, even if not approved.

Israel’s first marine national park Israel’s Nature and Parks Authority and Planning Administration have recently announced the opening of new nature reserves and national parks, among which the Hasharon National Park, the Ramon Crater Nature Reserve, and the Yam Caesarea National Park - the first marine national park in Israel. The classification of the Ramon Crater as a nature reserve is the last step in the implementation of the government’s 1994 decision to preserve the area from mining activity. According to the director-general of the Nature and Parks Authority, Raya Shurki, “marine nature reserves and national parks are the most effective tools for protecting marine life”.

Photo: Gay Lavian, courtesy of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority

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ATMOSPHERE JANUARY 2025