A million visitors and tourists in Jerusalem over the summer

A million visitors and tourists have visited Jerusalem during the summer months, according to data provided by the Jerusalem Hotel Association and the tourism and culture institutes in the city. 214,000 night-stays were documented in Jerusalem on July 2005, an increase of 84% compared to the same month in 2004. 77,000 of them were of Israelis (and increase of 36% compared to July 2004). The increase rate in Jerusalem is the highest in Israel. According to checks conducted by the Jerusalem Tourism Authority with the sights in Jerusalem, hundreds of thousands have visited the various sights. Mayor Uri Lupolianski commented that the municipality will work to encourage that trend during the coming year. Here are a few examples of visitor numbers in special events, sights and culture institutes in Jerusalem: ˇ Chutzot Hyoyzer arts and crafts fair, celebrating its 30th anniversary and making a comeback to Sultan’s pool – approx. 100,000 visitors. ˇ Yad Vashem, at the new museum – approx. 175,000 visitors. ˇ Israel Museum, celebrating its 40th anniversary with a variety of exhibitions and events – over 100,000 visitors. ˇ The Biblical Zoo, offering a wide array of activities and attractions for the whole family – approx. 150,000 visitors. 2/.. -2- ˇ The Science Museum, in a new „Toys & Physics” exhibit – approx. 60,000 visitors. ˇ The Kotel Tunnels – approx. 75,000 visitors. ˇ City of David – approx. 23,000 visitors ˇ Tower of David Museum, at the „Train to Jerusalem” exhibition and activities – approx. 45,000 visitors. ˇ International Convention Center – approx. 78,000 visitors. ˇ Davidson Center Archeological Park – approx. 40,000 visitors. ˇ The Old City Walls promenade – approx. 14,000 visitors. ˇ Bible Lands Museum – approx. 9,000 visitors ˇ Italian Judaism Museum – approx. 12,000 visitors. ˇ The new Double Decker tourist bus – approx. 8,000 visitors. ˇ Underground Prisoners Museum – approx. 4,000 visitors. ˇ The Time elevator – over 30,000 visitors. ˇ Begin Center – approx. 12,000 visitors. ˇ Islamic Arts Museum – approx. 11,000 visitors. ˇ Various Children plays and the International Puppeteers Festival at the Cart Theater – approx. 8,000 visitors. ˇ Agripas 12 Gallery – approx. 1,000 visitors. ˇ Yad Ben Zvi guided tours – approx. 8,000 visitors. Night tours operated by the Jerusalem Bird Watching Station – 400 visitors. BPI-info