Tourism in Israel

8/3/2019 Tourism in Israel

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Tourism in IsraelWikipedia on Answers.com:

Tourism in Israel

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The Western WallandDome of the RockinOld City of Jerusalem

An aerial view of theSea of Galilee

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Tourism in Israel is one of the country's major sources of income, with 3.45

million touristarrivals in 2010.[1] Israel offers a plethora of historical and religious sites, beach

resorts,archaeological tourism, heritage tourism andecotourism. Israel has the highest number

of museums per capita in the world.[2] The most popular paid tourist attraction isMasada.

[3]Most tourists visit from the United States, Russia,Germany, France, and the United Kingdom.

[4]

Contents

1 Most-visited cities in Israel

2 Archaeological tells

3 National parks and nature reserves

4 Hiking trails
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smhttp://www.answers.com/topic/ecotourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#cite_note-1http://www.answers.com/topic/tourist-attractionhttp://www.answers.com/topic/masadahttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#cite_note-2008Ynet-2http://www.answers.com/topic/united-stateshttp://www.answers.com/topic/russiahttp://www.answers.com/topic/germanyhttp://www.answers.com/topic/francehttp://www.answers.com/topic/united-kingdomhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#cite_note-3http://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Most-visited_cities_in_Israelhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Archaeological_tellshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#National_parks_and_nature_reserveshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Hiking_trailshttp://www.answers.com/library/Wikipedia-cid-9593168


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5 Kibbutzim

6 Museums

7 Hot springs

8 West Bank tourism

9 Golan Heights tourism

10 Seas and lakes

o 10.1 Dive tourism

11 Medical tourism

12 Tourist demographics and economic contribution

13 International recognition and awards

14 Most visited sites

15 References

16 Bibliography

17 External links

Most-visited cities in Israel

Modern Jerusalem

Arab market.Old City of Jerusalem
http://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Kibbutzimhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Museumshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Hot_springshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#West_Bank_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Golan_Heights_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Seas_and_lakeshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Dive_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Medical_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Tourist_demographics_and_economic_contributionhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#International_recognition_and_awardshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Most_visited_siteshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Referenceshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Bibliographyhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#External_linkshttp://www.answers.com/topic/old-city-jerusalemhttp://www.answers.com/topic/old-city-jerusalemhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:OldCityJerusalem01_ST_06.JPGhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:The_Exterior_of_the_hotel.jpghttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Kibbutzimhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Museumshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Hot_springshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#West_Bank_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Golan_Heights_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Seas_and_lakeshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Dive_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Medical_tourismhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Tourist_demographics_and_economic_contributionhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#International_recognition_and_awardshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Most_visited_siteshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Referenceshttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#Bibliographyhttp://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#External_linkshttp://www.answers.com/topic/old-city-jerusalem


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Ruins of Scythopolis,Beit Shean

Eilat seaside resort on the Red Sea

Hula Valleyinnorthern Israel

Masada
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Ancient Synagogue atBar'am National Park

Natural warm pool at Gan HaShlosha National Park

Jerusalem

With 2,215,000 tourist arrivals in 2009, one of the oldest cities in the world,

the capital[i] , and largest city of Israel is also the most-visited city in Israel; as a holy city to

the three major Abrahamic religions-Judaism, ChristianityandIslam, it has a myriad of

historical, archeological, religious and sundry other attractions.[5]

Many of them are in the Old City of Jerusalem, traditionally divided into four

quarters: Armenian Quarter, Christian Quarter, Muslim Quarter snd Jewish Quarter.

Most importantly, theTemple Mount (known in Arabic as Haram ash-sharf, the

Noble Sanctuary), site of the ancient Temple in Jerusalem with only the Western

Wall at its foot remaining, and now with the Dome of the Rock andAl-Aqsa Mosque.

Other places in East Jerusalem are the Mount of Olives: with its lookout

point, Tomb of Absalom, a 2000 year old Jewish cemetery, and

churches,Gethsemane, church of all nations, Dominus Flevit, and the Church of

Maria Magdalene (Russian orthodox church). Various locations have been proposedas the Tomb of Jesus, traditionally identified as where the Church of the Holy

Sepulchre stands. Nor hasGolgotha, the nearby hill where he wascrucifiedbeen

located. Immediately south of the Jewish Quarter lies theCity of David with

archeological digs including Hezekiah's Tunnel.
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West Jerusalem is the newer part of Jerusalem, built mainly after the creation of Israel

in 1948. Some spots:

The German Colony, a Temple Society settlement, with a colourful mix of

architectural styles.

Mea Shearim, established in the nineteenth century and inhabited largely by

ultra-OrthodoxHaredi Jews, retains the flavor of an East European shtetl.

Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial museum.

Ein Karem, the traditional birthplace ofJohn the Baptist, is one of the four

most visited Christian pilgrimage sites in Israel.[6]

Mt. Zion, the traditional resting place of King David.

Mt. Scopus, site of the Hebrew Universityand standing at 2710 feet above sea

level, offers a panoramic view of the city. Both the Temple Mount and theDeadSea are visible from this location.

Tel Aviv

With 1,676,000 tourist arrivals in 2009, it is Israel's second-largest city, and

a cosmopolitan,culturalandfinancialglobal city. [5]The city's greater area is the largest

with 3 million inhabitants. Tel Aviv exhibits a Unesco world heritage area of Bauhaus

architecture. Nearby historical city of Jaffa is experiencing a touristic boom. In

2010, National Geographic rankedTel Avivas one of the world's ten best beach cities.[7]

Safed

A holy city in Judaism where much of the Jerusalem Talmud was written

and kabbalah (Jewish mysticism) was developed. Famous for its artisans. The grave of

Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in nearbyMeron.

Acre

(Bah')Shrine of Bah'u'llh, resting place of Bah'u'llh as well as a Unesco world

heritage historical town.

Haifa

Carmel
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(Bah')Shrine of the Bb, its associated terraces, and the Bah' World Centre and

the buildings (a Unesco world heritage).

Tiberias

A holy city in Judaism, on west bank of the freshwaterSea of Galilee.

Saint Peter's house atCapernaum, Tabgha and the Mount of Beatitudes.

Nazareth

Jesus's hometown and the site of many of his reported acts and miracles.

Many churches, including TheChurch of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church

building in the Middle East. In Roman Catholic tradition, it marks the site where the

ArchangelGabriel announced the future birth of Jesus to theVirgin Mary (Luke 1:26-31).

Starting point for theJesus Trail, a network of hiking routes connecting many sites

from Jesus's life and ministry.

Bet She'an

A Roman Decapolis city. One of the largestarchaeologicalsites in the Middle East.

Beersheba

Its settlement attributed to the patriarch Abraham. Regional capital of

the Negev desert. It serves as a starting point for exploring such sites as the Ramon

Crater or the Unesco world heritage Nabathean Incense Route (Shivta,Avdat, Mamshit).

Eilat

The southernmost city in Israel, on theRed Sea coast, it is a hot, sunny year-round

travel destination. Popular destination for skin andscuba diving, with equipment for hire

on or near all major beaches.

Caesarea

The old city includes Roman and Crusader ruins, such as the amphitheatre (where

concerts are frequently held), as well as the harbor from which St. Paul was taken as a

prisoner to Rome.
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The grassy golf club and villas are newly developed in this coastal city, which has

become increasing popular to tourists.

Archaeological tells

The country abounds in archaeological tells. Tel Be'er Sheva, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo (the

site of Armageddon) were recognized as Unesco world heritage sites. They exhibit elaborate

water systems that are among the earliest in the world.

National parks and nature reserves

Main article: National parks and nature reserves of Israel

Israel has 67 national parks and 190 nature reserves. Some of them are located at

archaeological sites. Beit Guvrin-Maresha is a large archaeological complex in the Judean

Mountains. Tzipporiis an ancient Roman town with elaborate mosaics and a historic

synagogue. Ein Gedi, a desert spring, is a starting point for tours to Masada and theDead Sea.

Hiking trails

Israel National Trail - a hiking path that crosses the entire country of Israel. Its

northern end is at Dan, near the Lebanese border in the far north of the country, and it

extends to Eilat at the southernmost tip of Israel on the Red Sea, a length of approximately

940 km (580 mi). The trail takes about 3070 days to finish if hiked continuously.

Jerusalem Trail - 40 km trail, connects the Israel National Trail with Jerusalem and the

area of the Old City.

Jesus Trail - a 65 km hiking andpilgrimage route in the Galilee region of Israelthat

traces routes Jesus may have walked, connecting many sites from his life and ministry. The

trail begins in Nazareth, and passes through Sepphoris, Cana (Kafr Kanna), theHorns of

Hattin, Mount Arbel Cliffs, theSea of Galilee, Capernaum, Tabgha, the Mount of

Beatitudes,Tiberias, the Jordan River, Mount Tabor, and Mount Precipice.

Golan Trail - a 125 km route from the slopes of Mt. Hermon to the southern GolanHeights. It passes many towns and settlements includingMajdal

Shams,Nimrod, Masade, Buq'ata,Odem, Merom Golan, and Ein Zivan.

Valley of Springs Trail - a 120 km route in and around the Jordan Valley, terminating

in Beit She'anand onMount Gilboa near KibbutzMeirav. The trail connects numerous

springs (for which the area is famous) and other historical and natural attractions.
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Kibbutzim

A network of kibbutzim dot the countryside, some offering guesthouses and country lodging.

They are undergoing a process of modernization and re-organization. Well known in Israel for

great contributions to Israeli history, politics, army, and Zionism.

Museums

Main article: List of museums in Israel

Tower of David Museum

With over 200 museums, Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the world,

with millions of visitors annually.[8]

Israel Museum in Jerusalem, Israel's national museum, attracts 800,000 visitors a year.

[9]

Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem

Yad Vashem, Israel's Holocaust memorial

Tel Aviv Museum of Art

Diaspora Museum

Haifa Museum of Science and Technology

Hot springs
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Hamat Gader hot springs

Hamat Gader

Tiberias hot springs

West Bank tourism

Cave of the Patriarchsin Hebron

See also: Tourism in the Palestinian territories

West Bank tourism has been administered by Israel since the beginning of its occupation in

1967.[10] Territory that had been off-limits to Israeli citizens were now made available for

tourism, and Israel established numerous amenities in these territories and East Jerusalem to

make it more appealing to Israeli and foreign tourists.[11] Despite that, Israeli citizens are

generally restricted from traveling to parts of the West Bank under Palestinian authority

control.[12] Today, The Palestinian Authority and Israeli tourism ministries work together on

tourism in the Palestinian territories in a Joint Committee on Tourism.[13]
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Bethlehem - Burial place of the matriarch Rachel and birthplace of King David and

of Jesus. Around 1.3 million tourists visited the city in 2008.[14] Popular sites in the city and

around include:Church of the Nativity, A church built over the cave that tradition marks as

the birthplace of Jesus of Nazareth, The Manger Square, Shepherd's Field in Beit

Sahour, Solomon's Pools and the Salesian Cremisan Monastery.[10][15]

Herodium - A fortress built by Herod the Great. It is administered by theIsrael Nature

and Parks Authority.[15]

Hebron - The second-holiest city in Judaism and the place where the Tomb of the

Patriarchs and Matriarchs is located, according to Jewish and Islamic tradition. It was also

the capital of the Kingdom of Judah before David moved it to Jerusalem.

Jericho - Tourism increased by nearly 42.3% in the first three quarters of 2008 as

crossing between areas under PA control and Israel became less restricted.[16]

Golan Heights tourism

Mount Hermonski resort

The Golan Heights were captured by Israel from Syrian in the 1967 Six-Day Warand are

recognized by the international community asSyrian territory held by Israel under military

occupation.[17]In an act ruled null and void by the United Nations Security Council, Israel

applied civilian law to the territory in 1981.[18]

For ease of touring, the Golan can be divided into the north with most of its populardestinations and the south where the administrative capital is located. Travel guides

recommend renting a car or joining an organized tour. Although it is slower, some travelers

chose to hitchhike throughout the region.[19] Accommodations are typically through bed and

breakfasts or cabins called zimmers.[20]
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The first Israeli ski resort was established in the Golan. [21] Nature trails and other attractions

were established by Israel in order to further entrench its presence in the territory and to

attract tourists.[11] As much of the Golan's land is not arable, many of theIsraeli

settlements established focused on tourism as a way generating income.[22]

The Golan hasnational parks which provide extensive hiking options. Most of these are

maintained by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Land mines from previous wars pose a

risk when clearly marked and fenced off areas are disregarded.[20]

The Mount Hermon ski resort is popular during the winter months.[23] This is the first ski

resort in the Israeli annexed Golan.[21]

The area produces wine and theGolan Heights Winery is a large producer. The winery

has a visitor's center and tours.[23]

Archaeology in Katzrin,Gamla, Nimrod Fortress, Rujm el-Hiri

Seas and lakes

Red Sea coral and marine fish in Eilat

Mediterranean coastal strip

Sunny beaches and hotel resorts

Dead sea

The lowest point on the Earth's surface and the deepest hypersaline lake in the world,

famous for its buoyancy and medicinal qualities

Red Sea
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Sunny beaches and hotel resorts, popular destination for SCUBA diving and water sports

Sea of Galilee

Sunny beaches and hotel resorts ImportantChristianholy sites such as Mount of Beatitudes

Dive tourism

See also: Israeli Diving Federation

Eilat is located in the Gulf of Aquaba, one of the most popular diving destinations in the world.

The coral reefs along Eilat's coast remain relatively pristine and the area is recognized as one

of the prime diving locations in the world.[24] About 250,000 dives are performed annually in

Eilat's 11 km coastline, and diving represents 10% of the tourism income of this area.[25]In

addition, given the proximity of many of these reefs to the shore, non-divers can encounter the

Red Sea's reefs with relative ease.[24] Water conditions for SCUBA divers are good all year

round, with water temperatures around 21-25 C, with little or no currents and clear waters

with an average of 2030 meters visibility.

Medical tourism

The Dead Sea

Main article: Medical tourism in Israel

Israel is emerging as a popular destination for medical tourists.[26] In 2006, 15,000 foreigners

travelled to the country for medical procedures, bringing in $40 million of revenue.[26] The

advantages of Israel for health tourism include good natural resources; stable, comfortable

climate all year round; a progressive medical systems, and scenic locations which have a
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calming effect on patients.[27] Medical tourists choose Israel for several reasons. Some come

from European nations such as Romania where certain procedures are not available. Others

come to Israel, most commonly from the United States, because they can receive quality

health care at a fraction of the cost it would be at home, for both surgeries andin-vitro

fertilizationtreatments. Other medical tourists come to Israel to visit the Dead Sea, a world-

famous therapeutic resort.[26] The Israel Ministry of Tourism and several professional medical

services providers have set out to generate awareness of Israel's medical capabilities.[28]

Tourist demographics and economic contribution

Caesarea

According to the IsraeliMinistry of Tourism, in 2009 54% of the 2.7 million visitors to Israel

were Christian. Jewish tourists accounted for 39%. Revenue from tourism in 2009 totalled $ 3.3

billion.[29] In 2010, tourism constituted 6.4% of the country's GDP.[30] The World Travel and

Tourism Council estimates that real GDP growth for tourism in Israel is expected to average

5.0% per annum over the years 2010-2020. The contribution of tourism to Gross Domestic

Product is expected by WTTC to rise from 6.4% (US$12.0 billion) in 2010 to 7.2% ($22.1 billion)

by 2020.[30] The contribution of the industry to employment is 223,000 jobs in 2010, 7.9% of

total employment.[30]Export earnings from international visitors and tourism goods are

expected to generate 6.5% of total exports (US $4.8 billion) in 2010.[30]Investment in tourism is

estimated at US $2.3 billion or 7.6% of total investment in 2010.[30] The Israel Travel & Tourism

economy is ranked number 51 in absolute size worldwide, of the 181 countries estimated bythe WTTC.[30]

International recognition and awards
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Nahal Arugot waterfall inEin Gedi

In 2005, Ernst & Young conducted a comprehensive research study on Israeli tourism. The

report, entitled "A New Market Strategy for Israeli Tourism" was published in November 2006.

The researchers felt that increasing the number of international tourists by 2011 from 1.9million to 45 million was a feasible goal. The report stated that Israel's most attractive feature

for international markets was its religious culture and history and the great diversity it offers

within a very small country.[31] According to the researchers, Israel's different cultures and

religions, its diverse landscapes, the contrasts between cities (Jerusalem, Tel Aviv), and

combination of European and Middle Eastern culture produced a "very high density of

experience." The report recommended that Israel adopt appropriate marketing strategies to

counter any perceived negative imagery associated with political developments.

In 2010, Israel won the title of "most outstanding stand" in all categories at the world's largest

tourism fair, ITB, held in Berlin. The Israeli stand won the title of "best presenter" in the Near

East and Middle East for the third time in a row.[32]

Most visited sites

The Shrine of the Bb at the Bah' World Centre, inHaifa
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Syrian brown bears inJerusalem Biblical Zoo

In 2009, the two most visited sites in Israel were the Western Wall and the grave of Rabbi

Shimon bar Yochai.[33]

References

1. ^ "Israel experiencing tourist boom ." Herald Sun. December 28, 2010.

Retrieved on December 28, 2010.

2. ^ Interesting Facts about Israel

3. ^ "Masada tourists' favorite spot in Israel". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2009-04-08.

4. ^ Tourism statistics

5. ^ ab Bremner, Caroline (10 January 2011). "Euromonitor International's Top City

Destination Ranking". Euromonitor International. Retrieved 10 January 2011.

6. ^ Ein Karem under threat

7. ^ National Geographic ranks Tel Aviv among World's Top Ten Beach Cities

8. ^ "Science & Technology". Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. Archived

from the originalon 2007-04-16. Retrieved 2007-05-26.

9. ^ Hazan, Susan."The Israel Museum and the Electronic Surrogate". Cultivate

Interactive. Retrieved 2009-05-06.

10. ^ ab Kaufman, David; Katz, Marisa S. (April 16, 2006). "In the West Bank,

Politics and Tourism Remain Bound Together Inextricably". The New York Times.

Retrieved July 4, 2010.

11. ^ abStein 2008, p. 647

12. ^ http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html

13. ^ Enz, Cathy A. (2009). Hospitality Strategic Management: Concepts and

Cases (2 ed.). John Wiley and Sons. p. 273. ISBN047008359X.
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14. ^ Mitnick, Joshua (26 December 2008). "Calm brings record tourism to

Bethlehem". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2 July 2010.

Read more:http://www.answers.com/topic/tourism-in-israel#ixzz1QFxqCNBQ
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Tourism in Israel