V 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 family-friendly location to connect with nature and camp within a lush forest while still in Jerusalem.”
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 month 2018 and 46 per cent more than September 2017.
Visits were also up during the summer months of 2019 compared to previous years.
There is growing interest in camping in Israel and the country already hosts some popular sites.
Near Eilat there is Hai Bar Yotvata, where you can camp by a nature reserve where almost-extinct animals are being bred ready for reintroduction into the wild. Camping in the Negev desert is possible at the Eshkol site, half an hour west of Beersheba, and there is also camping at Masada, which is perfect for people who want to try the traditional daybreak ascent to the ancient fortress.
But sites like these are seen as too remote for those tourists who want to stay in cities.
Mr Spielman said that the Jerusalem campsite represents a new concept: “This is the first time in Israel, that people will be able to go camping while still being in a major city.
It is situated a five-minute walk away from the First Station, just next door to the YES Planet Cinema Complex.
“This plan has been in the making for seven years following the success of the City of David Segway Experience which runs from the same location.”
The forest where the campsite is located has been restored and renovated. New paths are in place and there is new lighting and electricity infrastructure.
There are also new toilets, observation points, recreation facilities and picnic tables, making this the perfect destination for anyone travelling on a shoestring budget.