Kibbutz Neot Semadar, located in Israel’s Southern Arava, has achieved global recognition after being selected for the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 list by UN Tourism. The announcement was made during an official ceremony held in China, where the kibbutz joined a select group of 250 villages worldwide recognised for excellence in sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation in tourism.

This milestone marks another proud moment for Israel’s tourism industry, as the country continues to gain international recognition for its commitment to responsible and community-led tourism development.

Congratulating the community, Israel’s Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, said,

“Congratulations to Kibbutz Neot Semadar, which represents the best of the Israeli spirit, combining innovation, sustainability, and community. We are proud to have promoted the kibbutz’s candidacy and its achievement of the prestigious Best Tourism Villages 2025 title. This recognition is another step in the Ministry of Tourism’s efforts within the framework of UN Tourism. It reflects the international acknowledgment of Israel’s uniqueness and its high-quality sustainable tourism.”

Founded in 1989, Kibbutz Neot Semadar is home to around 250 residents, including families, children, and volunteers from Israel and abroad. The community follows a unique cooperative and ecological lifestyle that integrates art, agriculture, and environmental awareness into daily living.

Visitors to Neot Semadar experience an inspiring model of desert tourism. The highlights include the Art Center, an architectural masterpiece built by the community over 15 years, an organic boutique winery, a local restaurant-café, an eco-lodge, art workshops, and stargazing opportunities next to the Weizmann Institute’s telescope. Each of these experiences reflects the kibbutz’s harmony with nature and its commitment to sustainable practices.

The Ministry of Tourism played a key role in supporting and guiding the kibbutz’s nomination, collaborating with the Eilot Regional Council to prepare materials and coordinate with the international jury. The effort aims to promote unique local communities on the global stage, reinforcing Israel’s image as a nation dedicated to innovation, culture, and sustainability.

This recognition also marks Israel’s second inclusion in UN Tourism’s Best Villages network, following the selection of Kfar Kama, a Circassian village in the Lower Galilee, in 2022.

Dr. Hanan Ginat, Head of the Eilot Regional Council – Southern Arava, expressed pride in the recognition, saying,

“Neot Semadar’s inclusion in the UN Tourism Best Villages network is an emotional and proud moment for the entire Southern Arava region. It represents international recognition of the community’s vision and dedication, reflecting the values we promote every day,  sustainability, innovation, and cooperation.”

The Kibbutz Neot Semadar Secretariat also shared,

“Over the past decade, Neot Semadar has undergone a true transformation in the field of tourism. Today we share our unique culture, cuisine, and architecture with visitors from Israel and around the world. This international recognition will serve as a springboard for further tourism development in the Arava and across Israel.”

This achievement not only celebrates Neot Semadar’s success but also places the Southern Arava and Israel on the global tourism map. Even amid global challenges, the UN’s recognition shines a spotlight on Israel’s commitment to sustainability, proving how a small desert community can inspire the world with its creativity, resilience, and respect for nature.

For more information, visit www.neot-semadar.com.

In a resounding affirmation of its position on the global luxury stage, THE OZEN COLLECTION celebrates a landmark achievement as OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI is honoured with a prestigious MICHELIN Key. This distinguished accolade places the Maldivian sanctuary within an exclusive tier of just twelve five-star resorts in the archipelago, as recognised by the expert, anonymous inspectors of the MICHELIN Guide.

More than an award, this 1 MICHELIN Key honour unlocks a new realm of prestige for the brand, serving as a powerful testament to a philosophy where unparalleled service, transformative wellness, and culinary artistry converge to create guest experiences of unforgettable brilliance.

The MICHELIN Key distinction, a hallmark of extraordinary stays, further elevates the resort's reputation for bespoke luxury. This recognition highlights the OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI commitment to delivering a rarefied, all-encompassing island escape through its signature RESERVE Plan, a comprehensive, all-inclusive concept that epitomizes indulgence and meticulous attention to detail.

The Hallmarks of an Unforgettable Stay

The essence of the MICHELIN Key is reflected in the resort’s thoughtfully designed experiences, setting a new benchmark for luxury hospitality. Central to this is the RESERVE Plan, an all-inclusive indulgence offering unlimited gourmet dining across specialty restaurants, premium international beverages, and the personalized attention of a private butler. Every moment is orchestrated to perfection, ensuring a seamless and memorable stay.

Culinary excellence lies at the heart of the OZEN experience. From ORIGINꓱ, the resort’s acclaimed fine-dining venue, to SANGU BEACH, which celebrates Levantine flavours, each restaurant is celebrated for its craftsmanship and artistry. The architectural design harmonises with the pristine beauty of the South Malé Atoll, featuring expansive overwater and beachfront villas with private pools that embody both privacy and elegance.

Beyond the culinary and architectural brilliance, the resort’s wellness and lifestyle offerings add another dimension to the experience. The award-winning ELE|NA Elements of Nature Spa provides transformative wellness journeys in overwater treatment lofts, while the CUVEÉ Wine Library, housing over 300 prestigious labels, offers connoisseurs a sophisticated space for curated tastings. Each touchpoint has been thoughtfully crafted to deliver a stay that is both indulgent and deeply personal.

Monica Coppetta, General Manager, OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, shared,

“To receive a MICHELIN Key is to receive something far greater than an award; it is the most meaningful affirmation of our team's dedication and passion. This recognition tells us that our mission to craft deeply personal and unforgettable journeys for every guest is truly being felt. To stand among the very best in the Maldives is both an incredible honour and a powerful inspiration to continually redefine the pinnacle of luxury and service.”

The MICHELIN Key recognition serves as more than an accolade, it is an invitation to experience the zenith of Maldivian luxury. For the discerning traveller, it reaffirms that a stay at OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI transcends the ordinary, offering a curated narrative where impeccable style, grace, and personalized care are not merely promised, but profoundly lived.

This prestigious honour further cements THE OZEN COLLECTION as a beacon of refined island hospitality, presenting it not just as a destination, but as the definitive choice for those seeking the true essence of luxury, where every detail is preempted, every setting is sublime, and every memory is timelessly crafted.

Aristara AI made a strong impression at the Future Hospitality Summit (FHS) World with the debut of its multilingual digital assistant, designed to make the delegate experience smoother and more connected. The Los Angeles-founded company launched its WhatsApp-based assistant that gives participants instant access to event updates, schedules, speaker information, and venue details, all in over 50 languages.

The innovation aims to simplify event engagement by allowing delegates to ask questions directly through WhatsApp, receiving quick and accurate responses in their preferred language. Along with this, FHS World organizers, The Bench, can send important notifications and updates, ensuring that every attendee enjoys a seamless and informed summit experience.

Founded by a team of hospitality and technology experts, Aristara AI has been steadily redefining hotel operations and guest engagement through artificial intelligence. Its solutions focus on intelligent automation, personalized service, and data-driven efficiency, helping hospitality businesses boost both satisfaction and profitability.

The company’s participation in FHS World also marks its official entry into the Arabian Gulf, a key region in its global expansion strategy. Aristara aims to collaborate with regional hoteliers and event organizers to introduce smarter, AI-powered systems that enhance both operations and customer interaction.

Rosanna Wang, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aristara, shared her enthusiasm about the milestone, saying, “We are honored to introduce our technology at FHS World in partnership with The Bench. This is an ideal platform to showcase how AI can enhance event engagement. It also represents an exciting beginning for Aristara in the Arabian Gulf, where we see tremendous opportunities to support hoteliers and event organizers with innovative solutions.”

With this debut, Aristara AI not only showcased the potential of AI in event management but also reinforced its vision of building meaningful connections through technology, breaking language barriers and creating a truly inclusive digital experience for the hospitality world.