TOURISM MINISTER D-G NOAZ BAR NIR TODAY WARNED OF AN EXPECTED SHORTAGE IN HOTEL ROOMS:

“THE EXISTING HOTEL ROOM SUPPLY DOES NOT MATCH THE MINISTRY’S PLAN TO BRING AN ADDITIONAL MILLION TOURISTS WITHIN THREE YEARS”

In a debate in today’s State Control Committee regarding the Palmahim resort, the Director-General of the Tourism Ministry Noaz Bar Nir warned of an expected shortage of thousands of hotel rooms in the coming years.

Bar Nir noted that the Tourism Ministry is planning for the arrival of an additional one million tourists within the next three years as a target of the ministry and as a result of the gradual exit from the global economic crisis. In keeping with the target of 5 million tourists from the year 2015, the Tourism Ministry is working to add another 2,500 rooms to the existing supply throughout Israel within the next three years.

Noaz Bar Nir: “The existing supply of hotel rooms of various types does not match the demand that is expected to renew and increase in the coming years and months as we gradually move out of the global economic crisis. The Tourism Ministry will continue to encourage entrepreneurs from Israel and abroad to build hotels in Israel and increase the accommodation supply, thereby reducing prices and meeting the expected demand.”

At this time, the Tourism Ministry is completing the process of transferring the Investment Center from the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Labor to the Tourism Ministry, which will help simplify the bureaucratic procedure. In addition, the ministry is working to increase the budget for encouraging capital investment for constructing new hotels, locating and marketing land and giving grants to help entrepreneurs.

During the debate on the Palmachim resort, Noaz Bar Nir noted that the Tourism Ministry will continue to support the project as long as natural and environmental values and legislation are maintained, alongside the entrepreneurs’ commitment that the project will be reserved for hotel use exclusively.

(Courtesy of Israel Ministry of Tourism)
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December 28, 2009

MASTER PLAN FOR GOLF TOURISM IN ISRAEL:

ISRAEL HAS AN INTEREST IN DEVELOPING GOLF TOURISM – INVESTMENT OF 760 MILLION NIS OVER THE NEXT 15 YEARS WILL INJECT 3 BILLION NIS INTO THE ECONOMY.

TOURISM MINISTER STAS MISEZHNIKOV: "DEVELOPING GOLF TOURISM WILL DIVERSIFY THE TOURISM PRODUCT, ENCOURAGE INVESTMENT AND INCREASE ISRAEL'S ATTRACTIVENESS AS A PREFERRED TOURISM DESTINATION OVER OTHER COUNTRIES IN THE REGION"

An overall investment of 760 million NIS over the next 15 years in establishing 16 golf courses of international standing will inject about 3 billion NIS at current prices into the Israeli economy, both directly and indirectly – this according to the master plan for golf tourism initiated and led by the Tourism Ministry in cooperation with the Israel Lands Administration. The plan, which was recently approved, also claims that the investment would double the average expenditure per tourist to $2000 and increase annual hotel occupancy in Israel by about 20% at the end of the investment process.

Over the coming months, the Tourism Ministry and Israel Lands Administration will implement a statutory and marketing feasibility plan for 3-5 potential golf course sites, followed by a detailed plan for 1-2 golf courses. The sites are located in the Eilat region, the coastal plain between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Tiberias and Hadera.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov: "Developing golf tourism will diversify the tourism product, encourage high value local and international investment from a tourism, commercial, employment and regional development viewpoint. In addition, tens of thousands of golf tourists will come to Israel annually and golf tourism will help Israel compete with other countries in the region including Egypt, Jordan and the Mediterranean basin countries, which have long been preferred golf tourism destinations."

During the last 20 years, the number of golf courses and golfers around the world has almost doubled to an estimated 33,000 golf courses and about 55 million golfers. A report published by Oxford Economics on golf tourism found that the average golf tourist spends 150-180 euro per day on a short visit and about 250 euro a day on a week long vacation. The survey found that, in 2006, golf tourism in Europe, the Middle East and Africa directly generated 2.7 billion euro and employed 60,000 people.

The master plan investigates and relates to various aspects of golf tourism including current and future trends, demands and characteristics, golf facilities and environmental planning aspects, economic feasibility etc. The plan was prepared by the architectural firm Thomas M. Leitersdorf and golf planners and economists from Israel and abroad and was developed with a steering committee headed by Carmit Finch-Kadmi, Director, Physical Planning Division, Tourism Ministry and Rafi Elimelech, Deputy Director- General Planning and Development, Israel Lands Administration and representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Environmental Protection and Agriculture and Rural Development.

(Courtesy of Israel Ministry of Tourism)
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December 21, 2009

For the Very First Time: A Residential Building from the

Time of Jesus was Exposed in the Heart of Nazareth

The remains were discovered in an archaeological excavation of the Israel Antiquities Authority near the Church of the Annunciation

An archaeological excavation the Israel Antiquities Authority recently conducted has revealed new information about ancient Nazareth from the time of Jesus. Remains of a dwelling that date to the Early Roman period were discovered for the first time in an excavation, which was carried out prior to the construction of the “International Marian Center of Nazareth” by the the Association Mary of Nazareth, next to the Church of the Annunciation.

According to the New Testament, Mary, the mother of Jesus, lived in Nazareth together with her husband Joseph. It was there that she also received the revelation by the Angel Gabriel that she would conceive a child to be born the Son of God. The New Testament mentions that Jesus himself grew up in Nazareth.

In 1969 the Church of the Annunciation was erected in the spot that the Catholic faith identified with the house of Mary. It was built atop the remains of three earlier churches, the oldest of which is ascribed to the Byzantine period (the fourth century CE). In light of the plans to build there, the Israel Antiquities Authority recently undertook a small scale archaeological excavation close to the church, which resulted in the exposure of the structure.

According to Yardenna Alexandre, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The discovery is of the utmost importance since it reveals for the very first time a house from the Jewish village of Nazareth and thereby sheds light on the way of life at the time of Jesus. The building that we found is small and modest and it is most likely typical of the dwellings in Nazareth in that period. From the few written sources that there are, we know that in the first century CE Nazareth was a small Jewish village, located inside a valley. Until now a number of tombs from the time of Jesus were found in Nazareth; however, no settlement remains have been discovered that are attributed to this period”. 

In the excavation a large broad wall that dates to the Mamluk period (the fifteenth century CE) was exposed that was constructed on top of and “utilized” the walls of an ancinet building. This earlier building consisted of two rooms and a courtyard in which there was a rock-hewn cistern into which the rainwater was conveyed. The artifacts recovered from inside the building were few and mostly included fragments of pottery vessels from the Early Roman period (the first and second centuries CE). In addition, several fragments of chalk vessels were found, which were only used by Jews in this period because such vessels were not susceptible to becoming ritually unclean.

Another hewn pit, whose entrance was apparently camouflaged, was excavated and a few pottery sherds from the Early Roman period were found inside it. The excavator, Yardenna Alexandre,  said, “Based on other excavations that I conducted in other villages in the region, this pit was probably hewn as part of the preparations by the Jews to protect themselves during the Great Revolt against the Romans in 67 CE”.

In a few of the archaeological excavations that were carried out in this crowded city, a number of burial caves dating to the Early Roman period were exposed that are situated close to the inhabited area. The modern Church of the Annunciation was constructed in the heart of Nazareth, above the Crusader Church of the Annunciation and atop the ruins of a church from the Byzantine period. In the middle of these churches is a cave that was already ascribed in antiquity to the house of Jesus’ family. Many storage pits and cisterns, some of which date to the Early Roman period, were found in the compound of the Church of the Annunciation.

The “Association Mary of Nazareth” intends on conserving and presenting the remains of the newly discovered house inside the building planned for the “International Marian Center of Nazareth”.

(Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority)
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December 15, 2009

THE TOURISM MINISTRY PREPARES FOR THE ARRIVAL OF ABOUT 70,000 CHRISTIAN TOURISTS THIS CHRISTMAS

TOURISM MINISTER STAS MISEZHNIKOV WILL HOST CHRISTIAN CHURCH LEADERS AND AMBASSADORS AT ANNUAL RECEPTION

The Tourism Ministry is preparing for the expected arrival in Israel of tens of thousands of Christian tourists and pilgrims over the Christmas period (which is celebrated over a two week period by the different churches). The tourists are expected to visit the holy sites and participate in the masses to be held in Bethlehem and Nazareth. The Tourism Ministry is working in cooperation with the heads of the Christian communities in Israel, the Israel Police, mayors, the Coordination and Liaison Administration (DCO), the Palestinian Tourism Authority and other relevant bodies in order to facilitate a speedy and welcoming entry and departure from Israel and ensure a pleasant visiting experience.

Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov will host this Thursday, 12.17.09, the leaders of the Christian communities in Israel, ambassadors, representatives from the various communities, representatives from the Palestinian private tourism sector and from Israeli pilgrim bodies, in advance of the Christmas holiday. The reception will take place at 13:00 at the Grand Court Hotel in Jerusalem.

Due to the high volume of tourists expected to pass through Ben Gurion airport, the Allenby and Taba border crossings, the Tourism Ministry is working in cooperation with the Airports Authority to ensure a speedy and comfortable passage for tourists. Extra brochures and explanatory material in various languages have been delivered to the tourist offices in Jerusalem, Nazareth and Ben Gurion airport as well as Rachel’s Crossing, and additional staff will man these offices over the holiday period.

In addition, the Ministry of Tourism will arrange free shuttle transport for pilgrims from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. The shuttles will leave every hour on the hour from the Mar Elias Monastery to the Church of the Nativity and return on the half hour, from Wednesday, 12.24.09 at noon to Thursday 12.25.09 at noon. Ministry of Tourism employees will welcome the pilgrims and visitors with sweets in honor of the Christmas holiday.

This week, Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov contacted the mayors of Jerusalem and Nazareth with a request to bring a festive feel to the main streets and sites, while taking extra care to ensure cleanliness and decorate the streets so that the tourists and visitors will feel welcome and a festive spirit.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov:  "The Christian community in its various denominations represents one of the central anchors for incoming tourism to Israel, In the Tourism Ministry’s multi-year work plan which centers on bringing an additional one million tourist to Israel within three years, emphasis is given to increasing collaboration with opinion formers and leaders of communities in the Christian world, in order to realize the tourism potential of these communities which number hundreds of millions of believers around the world. "

As part of the Civil Administration’s special preparations, meetings have taken place over the last few weeks with DCO Bethlehem representatives, mayors, security personnel including the heads of the Christian communities and Palestinian security forces in order to coordinate the arrival of the patriarchs and bishops, the arrangements for religious ceremonies and the arrival of tourist groups. The Civil Administration will increase personnel at the border crossings and checkpoints leading into Bethlehem during the Christmas period in order to ensure an easy, swift and comfortable passage for pilgrims, with free entry into Bethlehem on presentation of passports and according to the security situation assessment.

Head of the Civil Administration in Judea and Samaria, Brigadier-General Yoav Mordechai, noted that "the increase in the numbers of tourists visiting Bethlehem and Jericho in recent months has provided a boost to the Palestinian economy. We are expecting even greater numbers in advance of the upcoming Christmas period and that a new record will be achieved."

According to the estimates of the Tourism Ministry, about 850,000 pilgrims are expected to visit Israel in 2009. Most pilgrims visit Bethlehem, the Western Wall, Christian sites in Jerusalem such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Via Dolorosa, Mount of Olives and Capernaum.

The traditional Christmas Mass will take place at the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth on 24.12.09. Prior to the mass, senior Tourism Ministry representatives and the Mayor of Nazareth will welcome the leaders of the Christian communities in Israel, ambassadors and Christian community representatives at a festive reception at the Church of the Annunciation, just after the traditional and colorful youth parade.

Schedule of events in Nazareth:

15:00 – traditional parade of thousands of youth from youth movements, together with the leaders of the Christian communities, through the main street of Nazareth.

17:00 – Firework display, sponsored by the Tourism Ministry, to announce the opening of the festive Christmas celebrations

17:30 – Annual reception hosted by the Tourism Ministry and the Mayor of Nazareth in the auditorium of the Church of the Annunciation

19:30 – The Christmas Mass

The Tourism Ministry is currently coordinating the details of pilgrim and tourist groups in order to facilitate easier passage through the border crossings. The Ministry of Tourism will also open a dedicated hotline, manned by ministry employees, during the holiday period.

(Courtesy of Israel Ministry of Tourism)
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December 10, 2009

Archeological analysis proves Hasmonean rule extended to Negev highlands

Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini of the Israel Antiquities Authority: “The Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus conquered Gaza and the Negev and for decades prevented the Nabataeans from using the Incense Road”

According to a recent important archaeological and historical discovery,  the Hasmoneans also controlled the Negev.

Researchers at the Israel Antiquities Authority are currently processing finds from archaeological excavations at sites located along the “Incense Road” in the Negev that were previously excavated by Dr. Rudolph Cohen of the Department of Antiquities. One of the sites that were excavated was Horvat Ma'agurah, which is located on a ridge, c. 3.4 kilometers west of the Sede Boqer region. The site is situated at a strategic point that overlooks Nahal Besor where the famous “Incense Road” ran, which connected Petra with Gaza. It was along this road that the Nabataeans transported precious goods such as myrrh and frankincense to the Mediterranean Sea and Egypt.

An analysis of the finds has revealed that after Gaza was conquered in 99 BCE, King Alexander Jannaeus – the great-grandson of Matityahu the High Priest – built a fortress with four towers inside an earlier Nabataean caravanserai. With the aid of this fortress he was able to halt any Nabataean activity along the Incense Road and in effect force them out of the Negev.

It was because of the fortress’ shape that archaeologist, Dr. Rudolph Cohen  assumed at the time it was a stronghold from the Roman period (end of the third century CE). But a new analysis of the artifacts which were discovered inside the fortress, and the architectural features of the fortress itself, has led to the unequivocal conclusion that the fortress is Hasmonean.

According to Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini of the Israel Antiquities Authority, who is the scientific editor of the excavation, “We are talking about a revolutionary discovery that will redraw the maps of the region which describe that era and greatly increase the territory governed by the Hasmoneans into the heart of the Negev Highlands as we know it. This is an important discovery from an archaeological and historical standpoint. Despite the evidence of the historian Josephus, according to which King Alexander Jannaeus conquered the southern coast of the Land of Israel and the harbor in Gaza (which was of paramount importance to the Nabataeans) and even further south, no clear archaeological proof of this has been found in the field. And it was because of this lack of proof that historians were inclined to dismiss the possibility that the Hasmoneans did indeed control the Negev”.

It is now clear that the Hasmoneans kept hold of the fortress located on the Nabataeans’ principal trade route until the year 66 BCE, and by means of it, prevented any movement by their Nabataean enemies along the road between Halutza and Northern Sinai. Such a move cut off the trade route between Petra and the ports and in fact commerce in the region received a fatal blow that halted trade through the Negev for several decades.

The discovery also reinforces the claim that another Nabataean site – Nessana, where a multitude of coins of Alexander Jannaeus were discovered, was ruled by him. “Another interesting fact”, says Dr. Tali Erickson-Gini of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “is that the army that Alexander Jannaeus engaged was for the most part a mercenary force that was composed of non-Jewish soldiers. We were able to confirm this based on the imported vessels that were found alongside the Jewish vessels there, and from the wine that was brought there from abroad. Apparently Alexander Jannaeus and his widow Queen Salome Alexandra could not depend on Jewish soldiers because of the sharp political divisions that existed among the people”.

(Courtesy of the Israel Antiquities Authority Spokesperson )
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December 1, 2009

200 JOURNALISTS AND TRAVEL INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS FROM AROUND THE WORLD WILL DESCEND ON THE DEAD SEA THIS WEEKEND TO PARTICIPATE IN A CONFERENCE TO PROMOTE TOURISM TO THE DEAD SEA

About 200 journalists, travel industry professionals and wholesalers from Europe and North America will participate this weekend in a conference to promote tourism to the