'Tonight we are in the beautiful country of Israel,' host Steve Harvey tells hundreds of millions of viewers in 172 countries who tuned in for live TV broadcast from Eilat

The 70th pageant will kick off early Monday morning in Israel, despite the Omicron variant's travel hindrances -- and local criticism

Visitors who received the shot will be allowed in starting December 1, two weeks later than scheduled; still subject to serological test

Unlike individuals, groups of up to 40 won't require a vaccine in past 6 months, but participants may not mix with others and those without booster must take regular COVID tests

Incoming tourists from select countries must be fully vaccinated with a recent negative COVID test; must also undergo antibody testing upon arrival in order to skip quarantine

Minister Yoel Razvozov says he is working to convince hotels to lower prices and to compile a list of those offering discounts

Cabinet members poke fun at Tourism Minister Yoel Razvozov after footage of his chiseled body is a hit online; he responds that he's just helping market Israel's coastline

Ministry greets vacationers with flowers and mandatory COVID-19 tests; new program aims to gradually reopen county's borders

Starting May 23, tourists from US, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Malta, Iceland, Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong can visit if vaccinated

But Health Ministry recommends program be postponed until June, citing India variant