Despite the current context, Israel intends to bring back tourists. It must be said that the country will host a very important event in a few weeks.
Although few people are considering tourism in Israel at the moment, the country is not giving up and intends to convince travelers to come back. Moreover, in a press release from the Ministry of Tourism – via the Land of Creation organization – we can read that Israel “is committed to ensuring the safety of all travelers. The Ministry of Tourism works closely with dedicated agencies to implement robust measures.”
And, in a few weeks, a flagship event for thousands of people will take place… It is a 700-year-old popular tradition that the Christian community around the world is preparing to celebrate from December 24: l Jubilee year. A religious festival, celebrated every 25 years, which encourages forgiveness, indulgence and reconciliation which will especially lead many of the faithful to several holy places. Named “Pilgrims of Hope” by Pope Francis himself, the Jubilee year will therefore be made up of pilgrimages guiding believers to the four corners of the globe throughout the year 2025. Starting with Israel.
Indeed, the country is a Holy Land for the Christian community. Three high places of meditation are found in Israel: the first is located in Nazareth, the second in Bethlehem, and the last in Jerusalem, a city still considered today as the main one in Judea and therefore, by extension, as the most important in this religion. It is therefore not surprising that the country's tourism ministry is forecasting an unprecedented increase in the number of tourists in 2025. Certain infrastructures are therefore already being renovated, and the authorities are also planning to quickly restore color to several hotels, transport in common and other public facilities.
Cultural events – such as festivals and historical reenactments – are expected next year throughout Israel, in addition to religious ceremonies organized in parallel. But be careful, a major new feature will come into force on January 1, 2025 for all French (and Belgian) nationals. They will have to obtain an electronic travel authorization (ETA-IL), valid for 90 days, to land on Israeli soil. The request must be made online at least 72 hours before departure and will not replace a VISA. Be proactive.
