Tel Aviv
Where business meets history
AT THE CONFLUENCE POINT OF THREE CONTINENTS, THREE RELIGIONS AND A MEZZE OF INTERNATIONAL
CULTURE, THE ISRAELI CITY OF TEL AVIV IS FULL OF SURPRISES FOR MICE VISITORS. STUART WOOD REPORTS
ew places on Earth exist at
such a crossroads as Israel.
It is the point where the
Middle East meets Africa
and Europe, and the point where
Judaism meets Islam and Christianity.
The country’s position on this cultural
faultline has been a factor in its unstable
history, as international powers have
jostled for influence inside and around
its borders.
But Israel’s unique geography has
also given it a rich diversity of culture
to offer visitors. In a region containing
several emerging economic giants,
Israel’s small geographical stature
should not be a reason to overlook it as
a MICE destination. In fact, its compact
size is one of the USPs which tourist
boards in the country are keen to
promote: it means delegates can squeeze
many of its most essential sights into
one trip.
CMW spent several days in Israel’s
financial and technological hub, Tel
Aviv. The cosmopolitan city feels
distinctly European along parts of its
Mediterranean coastline, while further
inland the blend of traditional Middle
Eastern architecture and
state-of-the-art skyscrapers speaks to a
modern city which remains in touch
with its past.
Above:
A ‘delegate’ at
the Israel Tatto
Convention
Below:
The Tel Aviv
skyline
for the world-famous Jaffa Cake that
shares its name. The region now serves
as an artist’s district, and its trendy
bars and cafes are a focal point for
young people across Tel Aviv.
Sarona, to the north, is full of the
history of the Templers, a German
Protestant group who came to Israel in
the 19th century. Today, its most
eye-catching landmark is the Azrieli
Sarona Tower, a 61-story skyscraper
which is the country’s tallest, and
contains an event space with views over
Tel Aviv. Guided tours of these districts
are available for business travellers.
For delegates considering taking a
conference to the city, Tel Aviv Expo is
Israel’s pre-eminent event space. It
contains two halls of about 7,000sqm
each, and was host to the 2017
Eurovision Song Contest. When we
visit, the Israel Tattoo Convention is in
full swing, and we cross paths with a
man covered head to toe in tattoos
(pictured left).
Just minutes away from the venue,
and visible from its open rooftop, is a
small theme park for visitors who need
a quick lunch break. And just over the
road from this is Ganei Yehusha Park,
which features outdoor event spaces and
a huge climbing frame which has just
finished construction, and is bookable
for events (pictured overleaf).
Adventurous delegates have plenty of
options to hand.
Historical districts
Each district of Tel Aviv has its own
stories, telling a different chapter of its
history – and are a must-see for
incentive travellers. The ancient city of
Jaffa, which predates Tel Aviv, was a
key location in many biblical stories,
and in later years its port became a
cornerstone of the city’s economy. It
exports long-lasting Shamouti oranges
around the world, which were the basis
ISSUE 104
/
CONFERENCE & MEETINGS WORLD
/
39