ATLANTA - TelAve -- Israel's tourism industry has earned 13 honors in the 2026 World Travel Awards, recognizing businesses across the country's hospitality, travel, tour, and tourism services sectors. The annual awards, announced following the World Travel Awards Middle East ceremony in Dubai, include recognition for Israeli hotels and resorts as well as tour operators, travel agencies, destination management, car rental and online travel services.

Among this year's Israeli honorees are Carlton Tel Aviv, named Israel's Leading Hotel; The American Colony Hotel, named Israel's Leading Boutique Hotel; The David Kempinski, named Israel's Leading Business Hotel; and InterContinental David Tel Aviv, named Israel's Leading Conference Hotel. Six Senses Shaharut was named Israel's Leading Resort, while The Ritz-Carlton Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Herzliya received the award for Israel's Leading Hotel Suite.

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The awards also recognized a broad range of tourism professionals and businesses. Kenes Tours was named Israel's Leading Tour Operator; Diesenhaus Group received Israel's Leading Travel Agency award; Ofakim – FCM was named Israel's Leading Travel Management Company; Eshet Incentives & Conferences was named Israel's Leading Destination Management Company; Issta was recognized as Israel's Leading Online Travel Agency; and Avis received Israel's Leading Car Rental Company award.

Lorin Maugery, Consul Director for the Israel Ministry of Tourism, United States Southern Region, said: "Congratulations to all of this year's winners. Their recognition reflects the incredible people and businesses that welcome visitors to Israel every day. And with U.S. airlines returning, now is a great time for American travelers to come experience Israel for themselves."

Delta resumed daily nonstop service between New York and Tel Aviv on September 6, followed by United Airlines' return to Newark–Tel Aviv service on September 8. Additional U.S. service is planned for the coming months, including non-stop service out of Atlanta in December. The World Travel Awards, now in its 33rd year, recognizes organizations and destinations across the global travel and tourism industry.