New York - July 27, 2009: Jerusalem and Tel Aviv have been voted 1st and 3rd "Best City in the Middle East," according to the 2009 World's Best Awards published by Travel + Leisure, one of the world's most influential travel magazines. The 14th Annual Travel + Leisure's World Best Awards ranks the best cities, hotels, resorts, cruises and airlines worldwide. The awards are the results of an annual, impartial survey that allows its readers to vote for their favorite travel destinations.

"We are thrilled with the Travel + Leisure readers' selection of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as two of the top cities in the world," says Arie Sommer, Commissioner of Tourism, North and South America. "This year's awards are especially meaningful with Tel Aviv celebrating its centennial and Jerusalem opening new hotels and attractions."