The Perfect Combination of 28 Attractions in the Southern Arava with the WINTER CARD

Exciting tourism news: Southern Arava Tourism has launched, for the first time, the WINTER CARD, at a festive and moving event attended by many tourism operators from the Southern Arava region, along with representatives from the Regional Council, the Negev Development Authority, and the Ministry for the Development of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience.

The new concept was launched following the staggering success of the summer seasons. This is the winter version of the regional tourism card: 28 desert attractions, guided day tours and birdwatching, local culinary experiences, and a souvenir drone photo at Solomon's Pillars. These and more are included in a cost-effective card, priced at only 130 NIS.

The winter season in the Southern Arava is comfortable and pleasant, as it is not too cold and rarely wet. Southern Arava Tourism is taking advantage of the clear desert skies and comfortable temperatures, inviting travelers from all over the country to delight in the wonders of the Southern Arava. A brief tasting tour held for the media over two intense days (which were actually two days of fun) revealed that its wonders are many, the attractions are tempting, the sites are magnificent, and the desert is in bloom.

The card, which will be valid between November 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, offers a cost-effective and ultimate model for families and travelers, including 28 desert attractions and activities at a uniform and accessible price of only 130 NIS per person.

Unlike the Summer Card, which focused on water activities, air-conditioned complexes, and night tours, the Winter Card reveals the desert magic at its peak—during the pleasant daylight hours and cooler nights.

So, what's included in the card?

Nature, Extreme, and Family: "Top 94" Challenge Park, Hai-Bar Yotvata Nature Reserve, Neot Semadar Arts Center, the ecological playground at Kibbutz Lotan, and Frisbee Golf.

Timna Park: Lantern tour, adventure into the night, morning desert hike, sunset tour, park entry, and pedal boats.

Guided Desert Tours: Red Canyon tour, tour following the "Bulbusim" (concretions) in Yahel, Kibbutz Samar tour, tour following Methuselah in Ketura, and cookie baking in the solar oven at Elifaz.

Guided Birdwatching Tours: Flamingo pools tour, bird migration tour, tracking workshop, sunset tour, "Birder for a Day," and sunrise tour.

Local Culinary Tastings: Organic nectar at the Neot Semadar Inn, a jar of organic Silan at Silania in Samar, apple and date cider in Ketura, chai and date cake in Lotan, and coffee or cocoa with a personal date pack at Tamar'la Eilot.

And a bonus for the booker: Every card order grants a professional souvenir drone photo against the background of the iconic Solomon's Pillars in Timna Park. To clarify—a couple and/or family booking will receive one couple or family photo.

Touristic and Economic Value: The card is a product of collaboration and support from the Negev Development Authority as part of a call for tourism projects, aimed at strengthening economic growth engines in the Negev and encouraging regional initiatives that connect authorities, businesses, and communities to create long-term touristic and economic value.

Lital Shmueli, Director of the Tourism Department at the Hevel Eilot Economic Development Corporation: "Winter is the desert's most beautiful hour. The Southern Arava offers pleasant sunshine, open spaces, and perfect weather for hiking. Following two very successful summer seasons and increasing demand from the public, we decided to take up the gauntlet and launch the Winter Card. We created a unique card where some activities are exclusive only to cardholders, to provide travelers with a winter vacation full of content and value at an affordable price."

Accommodation and Hospitality Packages: Stay in the Arava and receive a Winter Card as a gift

* Kibbutz Eilot Tourism: A gift card for those booking 2 nights midweek.

* Timna Park: A gift card for those booking 2 nights midweek.

* Elifaz Desert Vacations: A gift card for those booking 2 nights during the months of November-December.

Please Note: The promotion is valid for direct bookings only via the website or by phone (excludes agents, groups, and institutional clients). The card is not valid during the Hanukkah holiday (and at Timna Park, it is also not valid during Christmas). The card operates in a convenient digital format. Some attractions and tours require pre-registration via the website.

For all information: https://wintercard.co.il/

(Photo: Shosh Lahav)