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July Travel News from Israel
07-22-2011
Dear Friends, The first half of 2011 has been a great success, and we are thrilled to see tourism to Israel on pace to match last year's record-breaking 3.45 million travelers. And with the growing recognition of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as two of the greatest destinations in the world, as well as the Dead Sea's placement in the finals of the New7Wonders of Nature online competition, we anticipate a new wave of travelers to arrive in Israel this year to experience firsthand our glistening shorelines and vibrant culture. Haim Gutin JUNE 2011 SETS NEW ALL-TIME HIGH FOR TRAVEL TO ISRAEL
JULY 2011 Vol. 4 - Issue 7
GREETINGS FROM THE COMMISSIONER
Haim Gutin
Israel Tourism Commissioner, North & South America
Travel to Israel reached another all-time high last month with the arrival of 262,000 travelers, 1% more than in June 2010 and a 25% increase from June 2009. Tourist entries (tourists who stayed for more than one night) also reached an all-time high for the month of June with 228,300 - 7% more than in June 2010 and 4% more than in June 2009. 3.45 million travelers arrived in Israel in 2010 - the best year ever for travel to Israel.
After much investment in infrastructure to improve the spiritual experience and physical comfort of tourists and pilgrims, the Qasr el Yahud baptism site on the River Jordan, known as the place of Jesus' baptism, is now open daily to the public. Recognized since the 4th century as the site of the baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, Qasr el Yahud is considered the third most important site for Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land (after the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem). Israel's Ministry of Tourism, among others, has invested about $2.3 million in renovating and upgrading the site. Wooden ramps into the Jordan River now allow pilgrims easy and comfortable access to the waters for baptism; shaded areas have been erected for prayer sessions; and bathroom, shower and parking facilities have been upgraded. The site is also wheelchair-accessible.
JERUSALEM AND TEL AVIV VOTED BEST CITIES IN THE MIDDLE EAST FOR 2ND CONSECUTIVE YEAR BY READERS OF TRAVEL+LEISURE MAGAZINE
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