What is the first slang word that tourists learn and what is the food that should not be missed? The MasterCard company checked which recommendations Israelis usually recommend to tourists. The research was carried out in preparation for the launch of the priceless.com platform in Israel, which operates in over 40 countries around the world and provides access to experiences and discounts at the world’s leading tourist destinations.
In response to the question of what is the first slang word you would choose to teach a tourist arriving in Israel, the word “savva” was chosen by an overwhelming majority with 48% of the sample choosing it in first place. In second place was chosen the word “Achla” with 15%, and in third place “Come on” with 13%. In fourth place came the phrase “a waste of time” with 8% and “mess” with 6% in fifth place.
Dr. Avshalom Kor explains that “living together led to a mutual integration: Hebrew words adopted by the Arabs (such as: bathing suit and bathing suit) and Arabic words adopted by the Jews, such as the word ‘savva’ which came from the word ‘tsababa’, which is heard in the pronunciation Sababa’ and means: at ease, calmly, smoothly. According to Hebrew speakers, ‘sababa’ represents an expression of agreement, such as ‘okay’, ‘good’, usually happy agreement – at the same time as the word ‘bakif’, which is also from the Arabic language.
Regarding the food that they would recommend to tourists not to miss during their visit to Israel, the Israelis naturally chose the national dish – the falafel, which won 40% of the votes and is celebrated this week (12.6.23 is International Falafel Day), with shawarma coming in second place with 22% and hummus in third place with 18 %.
The most recommended attraction for tourists according to the public in Israel is a tour of Old Jerusalem, with 43%. In second place is the experience of floating in the Dead Sea with 22% and in third place is watching the sunrise from Masada with 11%.
The sites Old Jaffa and Masada were chosen for the first place among the most recommended places to enjoy a sunset, both with 32%. In third place is Makhtes Ramon in the south with 21% followed by Hilton Beach in Tel Aviv with 11%.
And what is the most important tip of Israelis for visitors here? 18% suggest not to be moved by the fact that Israelis are sometimes noisy and rough but full of warmth and love, 16% stated that it is worth visiting attractive sites, such as Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Tel Aviv. 14% stated not to be suckers and “that they don’t work for you”, together with 12% who stated that it is worth checking prices. 11% stated that you should have fun, flow and relax
For the launch of priceless.com, MasterCard came out with a unique campaign with the message of “travel like a local. Priceless”. The campaign includes words from the Israeli slang which were written in English and give a starting set of words for the tourist for a softer landing.
