General Information

The Conference Site and Venue
The conference venue is the Sheraton Tel-Aviv Hotel and Towers located in the picturesque and historical city of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. The hotel overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, and the "white city" of Tel Aviv, proclaimed a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO for its special "Bauhaus" architectural style.

The hotel is just a 30 minute drive from Ben-Gurion International Airport, an hour drive from Jerusalem, and couple of hours drive from the Dead Sea and from the Sea of Galilee (all are interesting historical and religious sites that may be visited).

Tel-Aviv is the 2nd largest city of Israel. As an exciting and cosmopolitan mix of leisure activities, Tel-Aviv offers something for everyone – to be fully enjoyed in its ideal Mediterranean climate: outdoor cafes, ethnic restaurants, historic sites, open oriental markets and of course, the Mediterranean coast and its golden beaches.

Travel, Tours and Accommodation
The Organizing Committee has appointed Ortra Ltd., a registered travel agent, as the official travel agent for the conference.
Rooms have been reserved at the Sheraton Tel-Aviv Hotel and Towers Hotel (5 stars), which are offered to the conference participants at special reduced rates when booked through Ortra. Double and single occupancy rooms are available. Other hotel grades will be offered to conference participants.
Information on Tours and Accommodation will be published in the second announcement.

Airport Transfers
The Workshop Secretariat will arrange upon request a private transfer from the airport to the selected Workshop hotels (up to 2 people) including airport assistance right after passport control for US $85.
Participants who book this service should inform the Secretariat of their arrival details no later than one week prior to arrival and they will be met at the airport by Ortra’s representatives.

Post Conference Tours
Post-conference tours will be arranged for those interested in touring Israel.

Climate & Clothing
End of August is late summer in Israel. Temperatures in Tel Aviv range between
25-33 °C 77-90°F. Dress will be informal throughout conference.

Currency
The unit of currency in Israel is the New Israeli Shekel (NIS), commonly known as the Shekel. The Shekel consists of 100 Agorot.
US$1 = approximately NIS 4.16 (as of March 2009).
Exchange rates are fluctuating. Please check updated exchange rates.

Electricity
Electricity in Israel is supplied at 220V, 50Hz and has a three-pin connecting plug.

Value Added Tax Reimbursement
According to the Value Added Tax (VAT) Law, a foreign tourist is able to benefit from a zero rate of VAT on a vast array of services obtained during a stay in Israel. In addition, a special arrangement exists whereby a tourist may also request a VAT refund on purchases made during a stay. For more details please visit the official website of the Ministry of Finance, Israeli Department of Customs and VAT.

More Information about Israel on the Internet see the following web sites:
Ministry of Tourism
Tel Aviv "White City"
Jerusalem’s Official Site
Ministry of Foreign Affairs