Pitch a tent in pricey Jerusalem
TOURISTS FRUSTRATED over hotel prices in Jerusalem have a new option: pitch a tent by the city centre.
Local politicians and tourism chiefs last month launched a campsite near the First Station recreation centre, and within walking distance of the Western Wall. The facility, in Jerusalem Peace Forest, will be open for visitors soon.
“The urban camping site facilitates budget accommodation in the capital Jerusalem with an experience of nature in the city, at a price that suits the ‘low cost’ tourist,” Amir Halevi, director general of the Tourism Ministry, said at the inauguration. “The tourist of today is seeking diversity and new content, and goes away on vacation more frequently.
“Therefore an overnight camping experience against the background of the Old City will attract many tourists from all over the world and allow them to enjoy nature and landscapes in Jerusalem.”
Doron Spielman, vice president of the City of David Foundation which is developing the site, told the JC: “Every year millions of people come to Jerusalem, but sadly there aren’t enough hotel rooms to accommodate them all, especially those on a budget.
“The City of David Camping Experience will offer a peaceful familyfriendly location to connect with nature and camp within a lush forest while still in Jerusalem.” (right)
More budget travellers want to stay close to the Old City’
At the ceremony, Jerusalem mayor Moshe Lion described the shortage of hotel rooms as a big challenge.”
He said: “We are progressing speedily with many programmes to build thousands more hotel rooms in the city, but these rooms should not come at the expense of other accommodation types, but rather in addition.
“I believe that more urban camping sites will follow. the example of this one.”
Tourism to Israel is booming but industry professionals report difficulty giving their clients suitable hotel bookings at peak seasons. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, some 405,000 tourist entries were recorded in September 2019, 44 per cent more than the same