Israel Names Midwest Tourism Director in Chicago
Ilan Marciano will lead Israel Ministry of Tourism marketing across 13 Midwest states as United resumes nonstop Chicago-Tel Aviv flights.
Updated on Nov. 13, 2026 in Middle East
The Israel Ministry of Tourism has appointed Ilan Marciano as its Director of Tourism for the Midwest U.S. region, based in Chicago. The appointment coincides with United Airlines' resumption of year-round nonstop service between Chicago O'Hare and Tel Aviv Ben Gurion.
Why it matters
The Midwest region includes 13 states, and the new role places dedicated tourism marketing in Chicago alongside a direct flight link to Israel. Marciano plans to use United's nonstop access to build momentum in the faith-based travel segment.
The Ministry's announcement cites United's schedule of 4 weekly nonstop flights between Chicago and Tel Aviv as the operational basis for the new Midwest push. The filing does not report passenger demand figures or projected visitor numbers for the route.
The players
Israel Ministry of Tourism
The Israeli government agency responsible for promoting inbound tourism to Israel and coordinating its international travel marketing efforts.
United Airlines
A major U.S. carrier headquartered in Chicago that operates a large international network from its O'Hare hub.
Yoram Elgrabli
Commissioner for North America at the Israel Ministry of Tourism, overseeing the Ministry's promotion efforts across the continent.
The details
Marciano will work with tour operators, travel advisors, faith and community leaders, airlines and media across the region. He will also develop programs with Chicago-area churches and faith organizations and represent the Ministry at trade and consumer shows. Yoram Elgrabli, commissioner for North America at the Ministry, is part of the leadership structure for the region.
Timeline
Nov. 12, 2026: Israel Ministry of Tourism announces Marciano's appointment as Midwest tourism director.
United Airlines resumes year-round nonstop Chicago O'Hare to Tel Aviv Ben Gurion service around the same time.
Destination Outlook
The appointment follows the restoration of direct U.S.-Israel air service after travel disruptions that began in 2023, when many carriers suspended flights to Tel Aviv. Regional marketing roles like this one are a way to convert restored route capacity into sustained demand from specific communities.
Travelers in the Midwest now have a direct nonstop option to Tel Aviv on United's four weekly flights out of O'Hare. Those planning trips should compare fares and schedules across the year, since the route is now offered year-round.
The takeaway
Nonstop access from Chicago changes the travel math for Midwest visitors considering Israel, especially for faith-based and group trips. Checking United's year-round schedule before booking can help travelers plan around the four weekly departures.
Further reading
Explore more of our Middle East travel coverage for context on Israel-bound routes and destinations.
Source note: This article includes information reported by TravelPulse.
