Tourism in Israel: Difference between revisions

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*[[Herodium]] - A fortress built by [[Herod the Great]]. It is administered by the [[Israel Nature and Parks Authority]].<ref name="Lonely Planet 2010"/>
*[[Herodium]] - A fortress built by [[Herod the Great]]. It is administered by the [[Israel Nature and Parks Authority]].<ref name="Lonely Planet 2010"/>
*[[Hebron]] - The second-holiest city in Judaism and the place where the [[Tomb of the Patriarchs|Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs]] is located, according to Jewish and Islamic tradition. It was also the capital of the [[Kingdom of Israel]] before [[David]] moved it to Jerusalem.
*[[Hebron]] - The second-holiest city in Judaism and the place where the [[Tomb of the Patriarchs|Tomb of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs]] is located, according to Jewish and Islamic tradition. It was also the capital of the [[Kingdom of Israel]] 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. <ref>[http://www.eni.ch/featured/article.php?id=2500 Bethlehem visitor numbers soar in 2008 says Israel, ENI News]</ref>


==Golan Heights tourism==
==Golan Heights tourism==

Revision as of 16:16, 15 September 2010

The Western Wall and Dome of the Rock in Old City of Jerusalem

.

Tourism in Israel is one of the country's major sources of income, with 2.7 million foreign tourists in 2009.[1] Israel offers a plethora of historical and religious sites, beach resorts, archaeological tourism, heritage tourism and ecotourism. Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the world.[2] The most popular paid site is Masada.[3] Most tourists visit from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Russia, and Germany.[4]

Historical, religious and cultural sites

Jaffa Gate and Tower of David
The Arab market in the Old City of Jerusalem
Church of Maria Magdalene, Jerusalem
Jerusalem
File:Rothschild Blvd (22).jpg
Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Safed
Acre
Haifa
Tiberias
Nazareth
  • Jesus's hometown and the site of many of his reported acts and miracles.
  • Many churches, including The Church of the Annunciation, the largest Christian church building in the Middle East. In Roman Catholic tradition, it marks the site where the Archangel Gabriel announced the future birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary (Luke 1:26-31).
  • Starting point for the Jesus Trail, a network of hiking routes connecting many sites from Jesus's life and ministry.
Bet She'an
Masada
  • Masada became famous for its significance in the First Jewish-Roman War (Great Jewish Revolt), when a siege of the fortress by troops of the Roman Empire led to a mass suicide of the site's Jewish defenders when defeat became imminent.
Beersheba
Eilat, a sunny year-round seaside resort on the Red Sea coast
Eilat
  • The southernmost city in Israel, on the Red Sea coast, it is a hot, sunny year-round travel destination. Popular destination for skin and SCUBA diving, with equipment for hire on or near all major beaches.
Hula Valley in northern Israel
Kibbutzim
  • A network of once socialist communes which dot the countryside. They are undergoing a process of modernization and re-organization. Well known in Israel for great contributions to Israeli history, politics, army, and Zionism.
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.
  • The grassy golf club and villas are newly developed in this coastal city, which has become increasing popular to tourists.
Ein Gedi
  • Desert spring. It is a starting point for tours in Masada as well as the Dead Sea.
Tzippori
  • A Roman town exhibiting elaborate mosaics and a historic Synagogue.
Beit Guvrin-Maresha
  • A large archaeological complex in the Judean Mountains.
Biblical Tells
  • There several Iron Age mounds spread throughout the country. Three of them 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

Masada
Ruins of the Ancient Synagogue at Bar'am National Park
Natural warm water pool at Gan HaShlosha
Shivta National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Main article: National parks of Israel

National Parks in Israel are managed by the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority. The national parks in Israel include:[7]

Nature reserves

Main article: Nature reserves of Israel
Ashdod Nitzanim Sand Dune Park, represents the original landscape on which most of coastal Israel was constructed

The Nature reserves of Israel are protected areas for nature and wildlife. As of 2007 there are 190 nature reserves declared by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.[10]

Hiking trails

Hikers on Israel National Trail

Museums

Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem
Main article: List of museums in Israel

With over 200 museums, Israel has the highest number of museums per capita in the world, with millions of visitors annually.[11]

West Bank tourism

Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron
See also: Tourism in the Palestinian territories

West Bank tourism has been administered by Israel since the beginning of its occupation in 1967.[13] 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.[14]. Despite that, Israeli citizens are generally restricted from traveling to parts of the West Bank under Palestinian authority control.[15]. Today, The Palestinian Authority and Israeli tourism ministries work together on tourism in the Palestinian territories in a Joint Committee on Tourism.[16]

Golan Heights tourism

Mount Hermon ski resort

For ease of touring, the Golan can be divided into the north with most of its popular destinations and the south where the administrative capital is located. The infrastructure is less developed than that in Israel proper and does not particularly cater independent tourists. Travel guides recommend renting a car in or joining an organized tour. Although it is slower, some travelers chose to hitchhike throughout the region.[20] Accommodations are typically through bed and breakfasts or cabins called zimmers.[21]

The first ski resort in Israeli controlled territory was established in the occupied Golan.[22] Nature trails and other attractions were established by Israel in order to further entrench its presence in the territory and to attract tourists.[14] As much of the Golan's land is not arable, many of the Israeli settlements established focused on tourism as a way generating income.[23]

Seas and lakes

Tel Aviv Beach
Mediterranean coastal strip
  • Sunny beaches and hotel resorts
The 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
  • Sunny beaches and hotel resorts, popular destination for SCUBA diving and water sports
Sea of Galilee

Dive tourism

Red Sea coral and marine fish in Eilat
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.[25] About 250,000 dives are performed annually in Eilat's 11 km coastline, and diving represents 10% of the tourism income of this area.[26] 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.[25] 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 20–30 meters visibility.

Medical tourism

The Dead Sea
Main article: Medical tourism in Israel

Israel is emerging as a popular destination for medical tourists.[27] In 2006, 15,000 foreigners travelled to the country for medical procedures, bringing in $40 million of revenue.[27] 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 calming effect on patients. [28]

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 US, because they can receive quality health care at a fraction of the cost it would be at home, for both surgeries and in-vitro fertilization treatments.

Other medical tourists come to Israel to visit the Dead Sea, a world-famous therapeutic resort.[27] The Israel Ministry of Tourism and several professional medical services providers have set out to generate awareness of Israel's medical capabilities.[29]

Economic contribution

Tourism is a leading industry in Israel. In 2010, it 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 by the WTTC.[30]

Tourist demographics

According to the Israeli Ministry of Tourism, 54% of the 2.7 million visitors to Israel in 2009 were Christian. Jewish tourists accounted for 39 percent. Revenue from tourism in 2009 totalled $ 3.3 billion. [31]

Top 10 countries for visits to Israel

In 2008, about 3 million foreign tourists visited the country, of whom 2.5 million were tourists and 0.5 million were one-day visitors. The table below shows the number of top 10 countries by foreign visitors in 2008.[32]

Rank Country No. of Tourists
(thousands)		 No. of Day Visitors
(thousands)		 Total Visitors
(thousands)
1  USA 605.2 11.4 616.6
2  Russia 205.6 150.5 356.1
3  France 257.2 6.4 263.6
4  United Kingdom 175.4 11.7 187.1
5  Poland 86.9 68.6 155.5
6  Germany 137.7 4.0 141.7
7  Italy 120.9 4.7 125.6
8  Ukraine 34.3 60.6 94.9
9  Canada 68.9 2.1 71.0
10  Spain 61.2 4.1 65.3

Continents by foreign visitors to Israel (2008)

[33]

Rank Continent Most of
Visitors From		 No. of Tourists
(thousands)		 No. of Day Visitors
(thousands)		 Total Visitors
(thousands)		 % of Total Visitors
1 Europe  Russia 1471.5 374.2 1845.7 57.2%
2 North America  USA 696.3 14.2 710.5 27.1%
3 Asia  South Korea 199.3 20.8 220.1 7.7%
4 Latin & South America  Brazil 86.9 2.0 88.9 3.4%
5 Africa  Nigeria 75.6 3.3 78.9 2.9%
6 Oceania  Australia 42.7 1.3 44.0 1.7%

International recognition and awards

Nahal Arugot waterfall in Ein 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 1.9 million to 4–5 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.[34] 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. [35]

Most visited sites

The Shrine of the Báb at the Bahá'í World Centre, in Haifa
Syrian brown bears in Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

The two most visited sites in Israel are the Western Wall and the grave of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai.[36] The top paid sites of 2008 were listed by Dun & Bradstreet Israel as opposed to the above sites which offer free entry.[3]

Listing Site Visitors
3 Masada 721,915
5 Caesarea 713,648
1 Jerusalem Biblical Zoo 687,647
4 Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan 581,800
2 Hamat Gader 500,000
6 Coral World Underwater Observatory in Eilat 458,000
7 Banias 430,531
8 Yamit 2000 in Holon 412,533
9 Luna Park in Tel Aviv 400,000
10 Qumran 389,291

The top paid sites of 2005 were listed by Dun & Bradstreet Israel. [37]

Listing Site Visitors
1 Jerusalem Biblical Zoo
2 Hamat Gader 550 000
3 Masada 495 000
4 Zoological Center of Tel Aviv-Ramat Gan
5 Caesarea 440 000
6 Coral World Underwater Observatory in Eilat 416 000
7 Mini Israel 408 000
8 Balagan Yagur near Yagur
9 Mount Hermon 350,000
10 Luna Gal on shores of Sea of Gallilee

Gallery

See also

References

  1. ^ "Summer tourism numbers heat up." Jerusalem Post. August 10, 2010. Retrieved on August 10, 2010.
  2. ^ Interesting Facts about Israel
  3. ^ a b "Masada tourists' favorite spot in Israel". Ynetnews. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  4. ^ Tourism statistics
  5. ^ Ein Karem under threat
  6. ^ National Geographic ranks Tel Aviv among World's Top Ten Beach Cities
  7. ^ [1]
  8. ^ Park Eshkol
  9. ^ Gan HaShlosha (Sahne) at Hagshama
  10. ^ http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~~~660964978~Card13~&ru=&SiteName=parks&Clt=&Bur=351331723
  11. ^ "Science & Technology". Consulate General of Israel in Los Angeles. Retrieved 2007-05-26.
  12. ^ Hazan, Susan. "The Israel Museum and the Electronic Surrogate". Cultivate Interactive. Retrieved 2009-05-06.
  13. ^ a b 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.
  14. ^ a b Stein 2008, p. 647
  15. ^ http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1064.html
  16. ^ Enz, Cathy A. (2009). Hospitality Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases (2 ed.). John Wiley and Sons. p. 273. ISBN 047008359X.
  17. ^ Mitnick, Joshua (26 December 2008). "Calm brings record tourism to Bethlehem". Christian Science Monitor. Retrieved 2 July 2010.
  18. ^ a b Thomas, Amelia; Kohn, Michael; Raphael, Miriam; Raz, Dan Savery (2010). Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Lonely Planet. ISBN 978-1741044560.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. ^ Bethlehem visitor numbers soar in 2008 says Israel, ENI News
  20. ^ Jacobs Daniel; Eber, Shirley; Silvani, Francesca (1998). Israel and the Palestinian territories: The Rough Guide. Rough Guide. ISBN 978-1858282480.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ^ a b Kohn, Michael (2007). Israel and the Palestinian Territories. Lonely Planet. ISBN 978-1864502770.
  22. ^ a b Hazbun 2008, p. 94
  23. ^ Efrat 1988, p. 84
  24. ^ a b Fodor's Israel. Random House, Inc. 2009. ISBN 978-1400008988.
  25. ^ a b MFA, Gulf of Aqaba- Tourism, 30 Sep 1997
  26. ^ Artificial Reefs and Dive Tourism in Eilat, Israel Dan Wilhelmsson, Marcus C. Öhman , Henrik Ståhl and Yechiam Shlesinger Ambio, Vol. 27, No. 8, Building Capacity for Coastal Management (Dec., 1998), pp. 764-766 Published by: Allen Press on behalf of Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences [2]
  27. ^ a b c Welcoming the world's ills, Haaretz, Feb 8, 2008
  28. ^ Health tourism in Israel: A developing industry Niv, Amiad (Adi) Tourism Review. Vol. 44, no. 4, pp. 30-32. 1989 [3]
  29. ^ Medical Tourism Israel
  30. ^ a b c d e f World Travel and Tourism Council, KEY FACTS AT A GLANCE, Israel [4]
  31. ^ Christian pilgrims boost Israeli tourism Christian pilgrims boost Israeli tourism
  32. ^ "Foreign Visits by country" (PDF). Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
  33. ^ "Foreign Visits by country" (PDF). Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
  34. ^ International Markets and Growth Potential
  35. ^ Israel wins 1st place in Berlin tourism fair
  36. ^ "For first time, religious sites to get state budget of NIS 6.3M". HaAretz. Retrieved 2009-03-08.
  37. ^ Tal, Dalia (2006-03-08). "Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem – Most popular tourist site in 2005". Globes. p. 12.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: postscript (link)

^ Jerusalem is the capital under Israeli law. The presidential residence, government offices, supreme court and parliament (Knesset) are located there. The Palestinian Authority foresees East Jerusalem as the capital of its future state. The United Nations and most countries do not recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital, taking the position that the final status of Jerusalem is pending future negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority. Most countries maintain their embassies in Tel Aviv and its suburbs or suburbs of Jerusalem, such as Mevaseret Zion (see CIA Factbook and Template:PDFlink) See Positions on Jerusalem for more information.

Bibliography

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Israel.
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