News Flash #1 March 2009

Dear friends,

It has been a few years since we have published News Flashes not related to "emergency situations" but dedicated to normal tourism updates in Israel and with Amiel Tours, and the time seems right to renew an Amiel Tours tradition.

Of course, in order to avoid "too much of a good thing", we will keep these News Flashes to 3-5 times a year. That being said, we would be most grateful for you to also pass all of the information within our News Flashes to anyone and everyone in your company that has an interest in promoting Israel as a destination.

2008 was a record-breaking year for Incoming Tourism to Israel, and Amiel Tours is proud to have been a part of that. We are all very hopeful for a year of peace and prosperity for Israel, our neighbors and the entire world. This success is thanks to many of you who continued bringing your clients to Israel with us, and we are very appreciative of your continued support and partnership.

While we are fully aware of the challenges which the current economic situation presents, we are also confident that interest is still high in Israel as a destination.

Together we can make 2009 and beyond a successful and exciting time of tourism to Israel - a Journey to the Center of the Earth...

Best regards,
Oni Amiel, President & CEO
Amiel Tours

Join the Pope's historic visit to the Holy Land May 11-15 2009

Participate in the Papal Mass in the Garden of Gethsemane Jerusalem, on Tuesday, May 12th 2009.
Special rates for individuals begin with US $388 per person sharing double room on BB basis per package (Three Star Hotels - Jerusalem Tower or similar) and includes: Asistance and transfer from Ben Gurion Airport to Jerusalem and back upon arrival and departure, 4 overnights accommodation on BB basis, free entrance to Papal Mass on Tuesday May 12, 2009.
4- and 5-star hotel options also available
For further details please contact us
**All rates are net to the agent

We are please to share the wonderful news that in early December 2008 our upgraded and much improved B2B Online Booking site went into effect (www.amielb2b.com).
Here are the changes that we have introduced:
1. For Hotels: the price listed reflects the total rates for each room for the entire period requested. (in the previous version of our web
site the rate reflected leading price)
2. We have upgraded the family plan. By entering the age of the child, (0-18) you will be able to see the various rooms which are
suitable for adults with children.
3. By clicking on the price per room, you can see the breakdown of the rates, and on the top of the page you can scroll down for the
next or the previous week.
4. Documents: You can print out the full itinerary with prices without commission and you can forward this to the client.
5. Upon booking you will receive an immediate reply with status: confirm/request including full cancellation policy for each hotel or
service booked.

Enjoy a unique opportunity for an up-close and personal meeting with the face of the real Israel. In the intimate setting of a private car, meet people from across the social and religious planes that make up the varied make-up of Israel.
You will stay in fine hotels in the big cities while visiting luxurious "zimmers" in the outlying areas.

What exactly are "zimmers"?

● They are "Summer Cabins", Bed & Breakfast units owned by private families

● In many places you will meet the families who operate them - and see another aspect of Israeli life.

● The cabins range anywhere between 40 and 100 sq. meters. Some are meant for couples, others can accommodate families up to 5 people.

● The cabins are beautifully furnished with many modern amenities,

○ Jacuzzis

○ Satellite TV

○ Fully equipped kitchenette

● Breakfast included in a small restaurant or dining hall near the units (sometimes even in the unit)

● There are several restaurants nearby for lunch and dinner

● Some zimmers also offer spa treatments (for a cost) for the guests

From north to south, you will taste - and even learn to cook (in a special cooking seminar) - the ethnic foods, sample the local wines, and connect with both the richness of Israel's past and the promise of the future with some of the most advanced agricultural technology in the world.
This is the perfect opportunity for the grandparents to bring the children and grandchildren - and experience the real Israel together as a family.
For further details please contact us

Guaranteed Departure Christian Pilgrim Tour - More value for your money!

We are happy to present Amiel Tours Guaranteed Departure Christian Pilgrim Tour, 2009-2010. We offer 24 arrival dates (all on Thursdays) from March 2009 through February 2010. Rates for the tour vary depending on time of year.
Each 51-seat air conditioned coach will have a maximum of 20 participants, allowing more personalized attention to each traveler. We offer a smaller selection of hotels to be used in each location, minimizing travel time and maximize pick-up/drop-off time. Breakfast and dinner are provided daily.
This program is also available on the Amiel B2B site (http://www.amielb2b.com).
For further details please contact us

A new opportunity is now available to enjoy the fascinating beauty and serenity of the Israeli desert and the north as you bike from Jerusalem to the Arava desert, or to the Sea of Galilee and the Golan Heights - seeing a gorgeous country unlike any other along the way. Sightseeing combined with good healthy exercise is a great idea throughout the year.
For further details please contact us

Israel is most probably the only country in the world where Jews, Christians and Muslims live together in their homeland. The only country where there are four different systems of law - the State Law and the laws of each of the three main religions whereby the people live separately.
For further details please contact us

In addition to visiting the holy sites and having a spiritually meaningful tour of the Holy Land, Amiel Tours will also make every effort to bring interested audiences to attend the concerts by promoting and advertising your concerts amongst other groups visiting Israel at the time, which in the past has proved to be a very effective. We are committed to making every effort to ensure that concerts will be well attended.
For further details please contact us

April 2009 will mark the 100th anniversary of the city of Tel Aviv, the economic, cultural and academic capital of Israel. The City will celebrate this milestone with events reflecting Tel Aviv's unique place in the history of the Jewish people, as the first Hebrew city established in more than 3,000 years.