BACK IN 2017, the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association’s buyer survey named Israel one of the top two emerging LGBTQ+ destinations. Today Tel Aviv, the nation’s center for business, entertainment and the arts, continues to cement its role as a hub for sophisticated travelers. If you’re looking to feel welcome in the Middle East, place Tel Aviv at the top of your list.
“Tel Aviv is a wonderful Israeli city as well as an international city,” said Ellen Shapiro, director of public relations, Israel Ministry of Tourism. “It is incredibly culturally diverse — like all of Israel — and has amazing food, culture, arts and museums. Add to that an unparalleled nightlife scene and a long stretch of beach on the Mediterranean, with great people-watching.”
Indeed, Israel’s prime Mediterranean location makes it a natural choice for sun worshippers; the stretch of sand near the Hilton Tel Aviv is the most popular with LGBTQ+ locals and visitors. After dark, Tel Aviv wows with weekly parties as well as an array of clubs and bars. These include Amazona, the city’s top lesbian bar; Apolo, a men’s dance club; and Shpagat, where the large dance floor fills with all types of night owls.
And then there’s pride. Tel Aviv is far and away the best place to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride in the Middle East; the event attracts more than 100,000 participants each June. A variety of festivals and events complement the parade itself, and past international ambassadors included Alan Cumming, Lea DeLaria, Perez Hilton and Andy Cohen.
A noteworthy part of the pride calendar every year is TLVFest, billed as the only LGBTQ+ film festival in the Middle East. It features screenings as well as panels and presentations with creative types from the international film industry.
LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in Tel Aviv run the gamut, including luxury properties like the Hilton Tel Aviv, which sits near the gay-popular beach; the Miami-chic Setai Tel Aviv, a member of Leading Hotels of the World located in the ancient port city of Jaffa; and the stylish NYX Tel Aviv Hotel, set downtown near a variety of attractions and activities. In Tel Aviv, the rainbow welcome mat comes in many forms.
Read This Next
Camp at Wadi Rum
July 2019
Jul 2, 2019
Introducing
FX Excursions
FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
#globility
Insta FeedDaily
Jul 26, 2024Accor Unveils Its First Handwritten Collection Brand in the United States
San Francisco, a city renowned for its commercial hubs and cultural sites, will become the first destination in the United States for one of Accor's newest brands, Handwritten Collection. The city’s Hotel Stratford San Francisco, Handwritten Collection is a European-style boutique property located near Union Square on the famous Powell Street cable car line. The area will now have the Handwritten Collection name behind it. The property becomes Accor's third hotel in San Francisco, joining the Fairmont properties atop Nob Hill and at Ghirardelli Square.
Sponsored Content
Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler
Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler
Global City Guidebook 2024
Jul 26, 2024Bask in Nature’s Tranquility at The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo
When the two of us entered The Spa at Four Seasons Tamarindo, past the backlit boutique items and local artisan-painted wood carvings, the place wrapped us in a feeling of tranquility. Its stone walls, earth tones, woven wall hangings and furniture made of natural materials reminded us we are part of nature’s spectrum, the abundant windows showing native plants and trees outside.
Daily
Jul 26, 20244 Boutique Hotels with Exclusive Wedding Buyout Offerings
Couples looking for an over-the-top wedding, consider one of these properties around the world, offering total property buyouts to say your “I do’s.”
Sponsored Content
Hit the High Notes in Nashville
Nashville’s once-modest skyline continues to evolve as its luxury market grows. Lavish hotel properties are added to the landscape while acclaimed chefs stake claim in the robust culinary scene and premier cultural offerings round out the city’s repertoire.
Airlines
Jul 26, 2024BermudAir Maximizes Choices for Travelers with New Options
BermudAir announced an expanded fare structure, allowing customers to choose from five fare types across economy and business class, up from the previous three options. Travelers can now select fares based on their preferences for lounge access, checked baggage, change fees, refunds and priority boarding.
Discover Hvar, Croatia’s, Best-Kept Secrets
Daily
Jul 25, 2024Daily
Jul 24, 2024SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites Introduces Custom Wine Itineraries
SB Winemaker’s House & Spa Suites offers guests personalized journeys to Mendoza’s finest wineries from Susana Balbo’s family. Immerse yourself in bespoke wine itineraries recommended by Balbo, Argentina’s first female winemaker; her son and third-generation winemaker, José Lovaglio Balbo; and her daughter, hotelier and wine tourism marketer, Ana Lovaglio Balbo.
Sponsored Content
Welcome to Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro
Wyndham Monterrey Ambassador Centro, operated by Aimbridge LATAM, opened its doors, welcoming guests to one of the most iconic and traditional properties in Monterrey, Nuevo León. Boasting 229 rooms and suites, the hotel, part of Wyndham Hotels & Resorts, is ready for discerning travelers. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts is the largest hotel franchise company in the world with approximately 9,100 hotels in more than 95 countries.
eFlyer Reviews
Jul 24, 2024Althoff Grand Hotel Schloss Bensberg Review
After a long drive from our previous destination, it was a relief to see Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg in our view. When we pulled into the hotel court, I felt like we were pulling up to a royal palace. Considering the hotel was originally built as a castle for Prince Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Duesseldorf and his wife, Maria-Luisa of the Medici family, my thought wasn’t that far off.
ShareThis