An Increase of Tourism to Israel
1,424,900 tourists entered Israel between January to September in 2005, an increase of 26% of worldwide tourism to Israel. Canadians also picked up on their travel to Israel with an increase of 15% from the same eight month period last year. From Canada, September ’05 had a 30% increase from last September. “We are encouraged and see this as the continuing trend of growing travel to Israel.” said Dani Shahal, Consul for Tourism and Director of the Israel Government Tourist Office.
“Furthermore,” Mr. Shahal continued, “there are many groups that will be traveling this Fall/Winter period especially Church groups.”
Jerusalem goes double-decker
It may feel like London, but the scenery sure screams Jerusalem. Take a two-hour city tour on Jerusalem’s new double-decker bus, sponsored by Egged and the Jerusalem City-Tour Company. The tour follows a circular route that starts and ends at the Jaffa Gate and passes 25 main tourist attractions including the Biblical Zoo, Mount Scopus, the Western Wall, the Knesset, and the Supreme Court. An audio presentation – available in eight languages – describes the sights. Tours leave from the Jaffa Gate on Sundays through Fridays at 10 a.m. and 12 noon. Passengers can get off the bus, visit different sites and continue with the next bus using the same ticket. Tickets can be purchased on the bus at each station, at Egged ticket boxes, or at hotel reception desks. For details visit www.city-tour.co.il or in Israel call *2800. For group tours call 050-842-2472
Cycle for peace
Registration is now on for the 2006 Arava Institute Hazon Israel Ride, being held May 9-16, 2006. More than 150 cyclists from around the world are expected to participate in the five-day, 250-km ride, which organizers call “a unique biking experience and a great way to experience Israel in a way you’ve never seen it before.” Dubbed Cycling for Peace, Partnership & Environmental Protection, the ride crosses diverse geography, from the lush hills outside Jerusalem to the rich brown deserts of the Negev. Cyclists ride for five days, with Shabbat spent as a day of rest in Mitzpe Ramon. Various route options are available for riders who prefer to do longer or shorter routes. The ride is a partnership of Hazon and the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies.
Money raised goes to support the important work that the Arava Institute is doing to meet environmental challenges and to bring about coexistence in the Middle East. For details or to register visit www.israelride.org
October 31, 2005
Posted in: Israel