Israel’s Jezreel Valley wins the Best Resilient Practice in Wine Tourism award at the 11th Iter Vitis Awards in Croatia, according to a press release.
The award recognises the region’s ability to sustain and develop its wine tourism sector through several challenging years, while supporting local businesses and community initiatives. Its “Wine Valley” initiative connects 18 wineries and has expanded since it was established six years ago. This gives trade partners a growing rural wine destination in Israel.
Iter Vitis selected the valley for maintaining its wine tourism activities and strengthening local cooperation despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the war. The award was presented on October 9 at the Principovac Manor House in Ilok as part of the Dunav Wine Festival, attended by representatives from 16 countries. Iter Vitis is a Cultural Route of the Council of Europe, certified in 2009, that promotes wine heritage, sustainable tourism and international cooperation.
The initiative is led by the Jezreel Valley Regional Council’s Tourism Department in partnership with local winery owners. New wineries have opened, thousands of dunams of vineyards have been planted and a wine school has been established in Tzipori. Festivals and events have connected the valley’s agricultural traditions with its tourism sector.
The Jezreel Valley Wine Route has also introduced the Jezreel Valley Taste Pass, a digital platform that brings together wineries, farms, restaurants, cafés, heritage sites, artisan workshops and accommodation. Visitors can explore attractions through QR codes and interactive maps, while smaller businesses gain visibility alongside established wineries.
Michael Izhakov, Director-General of Israel’s Ministry of Tourism, says the award “is a recognition of the hard work and determination of its local tourism industry”. The ministry’s International Relations Division, headed by Veronique Luria, has supported the initiative and its international engagement.