According to jewish news one:

Tel Aviv has been titled the gay capital of the Middle East. Some would even go as far as calling it the newest gay capital of Europe, due to all the European tourists flocking in all year round, but especially during this period, in honor of the city’s gay pride week.

 

 

Nadav Peretz, Founder of ‘Fabulous Israel’,  Boutique Gay Travel:

 

 

“In the past 5 years we see big numbers, thousands of gay tourists; from the United States and Europe come to Israel. Every summer we see a growing number of those tourists who come here, that they want to enjoy Tel Aviv. Tel Aviv is the highlight of gay Israel, it was chosen in a few gay magazines as one of the number one destination for gays in the world, not only for the good looking guys that we have here in Tel Aviv and in Israel, and the beautiful beach that we have in Tel Aviv, and of course the people of Tel Aviv that are very open and liberal and they accept the gay people, not only those in Tel Aviv but those who come from abroad to Israel.” 

 

Nadav Peretz, an openly gay Tel Avivian, realized there was a great demand in the city for a gay travel agency which will cater to the community and their needs. And so he co-founded ‘Fabulous Israel’.

 

Nadav Peretz, Founder of ‘Fabulous Israel’,  Boutique Gay Travel:

 

“We see like huge numbers of gays tourists who come to Tel Aviv every year. They come, they enjoy and the next year they come back and they bring their friends with them, and «Fabulous Israel» really brings them the best of Israel, we like to show them like not only Tel Aviv but also other places in Israel.” 

 

 

Peretz’s travel company hosts gay visitors from all over the world, takes them around, and shows them a good time.

 

Jonathan Haydn, Tourist from Belgium:

 

 

“I came with my friends to have fun, to visit. I’ve heard a lot of Tel Aviv, it’s like a gay scene now, I didn’t expect that, it’s incredible, like, parties every day, a lot of things to see, the beaches. I’m speechless, it’s crazy!”   

 

David Spreutels, Tourist from Belgium:

 

 

“Very nice, it’s like a little oasis in the middle of Israel, which is very tolerant.”

 

Marc Andrews, Tourist from England:

 

 

“Tel Aviv is like the new gay capitol of Europe I guess, basically, why? Because it’s got great beaches. It’s got great night life and hot men so what more do you need, basically.” 

 

 

This week, it is estimated that the city will host about 20,000 gay tourists. And in addition to boutique travel agencies, many boutique hotels open their doors to gay tourism as well.

 

 

Leon Avigad, Founder of Brown TLV Hotel:

 

“Most likely, gays will be interested in small hotel, that have strong attention to details and to design, with a personal touch, with a good location in proximity to all the cool places around, you know, fun places like bars, clubs, not very far from the beach, preferably to the gay beach, you know, and good service because gays like to enjoy life.”

 

 

Sebastian Alves, Tourist from the Netherlands:

 

“It’s the whole basket. The weather is perfect, with the beach, the gay life is perfect over here, shopping, culture, it’s a nice combination, the food, aw, the food is delicious.”

 

 

– And you got your eyebrows done?

 

Sebastian Alves, Tourist from the Netherlands:

 

 

“I got my eyebrows done, yes, colors and shapes.”  

 

 

-And you also got your eyebrows done?

 

Jan Jeert, Tourist from the Netherlands:

 

 

“Yea I also got my eyebrows done. Because otherwise I have a unibrow, so you have to look good, of course, for this week.”

 

 

Leon Avigad, Founder of Brown TLV Hotel:

 

 

“Tel Aviv was conquered by, they say, 20,000 but it feels like 40,000 gay tourists. More than 50%-60% of the hotel guests are gays, and well, usually it’s about 10%.”

 

 

Tel Aviv allocates approximately 500,000 dollars to gay friendly activities. Its mayor Ron Huldai, who is known for his support of the local gay community, is currently in the race for reelection. However, his opponent, Nitsan Horowitz, is an openly gay member of Knesset, and may possibly sway the gay vote.

 

 

Nadav Peretz, Founder of ‘Fabulous Israel’,  Boutique Gay Travel:

 

 

“Some of my friends support Nitzan Horovitz, not only because he’s gay, cause he’s a really great guy that did a lot to Israel, and did a lot for human rights in Israel, but also Ron Huldai did stuff for the gay community, so it’s going to be an interesting race. I don’t think all gays are going to vote automatically to Nitzan Horovitz. It’s going to be like a nice competition.” 

 

With so many locals living an openly gay life in Tel Aviv, tourists are quite pleasantly surprised and feel welcomed to take part in all the fun.

 

 

 Jonathan Haydn, Tourist from Belgium:

 

 

“The gay locals are real friendly, actually they just come to me and start speaking; where you come from and how long you’re staying, wanna go out? And just, yea, really friendly.”

 

 

Jan Jeert, Tourist from The Netherlands:

 

 

“I’ve been to other countries here in the Middle East as well, and well of course it’s not really accepted to walk hand in hand or anything like that, and over here it’s absolutely no problem at all, almost a majority in Tel Aviv nowadays, especially this week.”

 

 

Leon Avigad, Founder of Brown TLV Hotel:

 

 

“Tel Aviv is totally a gay Mecca. We are totally, I can say, totally straight friendly, we accept all kinds of people, even if you’re straight, you are respectable citizen of the community in Tel Aviv, I’m just kidding of course, but Tel Aviv is very gay, in the sense that is  very happy , very laid-back.” 

 

 

Nadav Peretz, Founder of ‘Fabulous Israel’,  Boutique Gay Travel:

 

 

“Tel avivians are very open- minded and liberal. We love the tourists to come here and they feel very much at home.”

 

 

The Tel Aviv municipality’s highlight event is the annual gay pride parade, celebrated by locals and tourists alike, and featuring gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and transgenders.