Israel is discouraging “a heavier tourist traffic for the time being because of the limited accommodations available,” it was made mown today by the Israeli Embassy. A proposed cruise for 1,000 tourists from Brazil was not approved by authorities because of lack of adequate facilities for the visitors, a news release said.
The Embassy stated that the Israeli Government feels that before any large-scale influx of tourists is encouraged, adequate facilities, comparable to those found elsewhere in the world, should be available. “Some private investors are making plans to erect large and up-to-date hotels to cater to the tourist trade,” the Embassy statement said. “The government hopes to make Israel an. all-year resort. Festivals, carnivals, and international conventions will be promoted from time-to-time to provide attractions, but not before 1950.”
The Embassy also described the new government tourist department which is fixing ceiling prices for accommodations, food, and sightseeing tours. The opening of tourist information offices at Lydda Airport and throughout Israel is announced. It is estimated that the average tourist’s stay this year will be three weeks. Between 15,000 and 20,000 visitors are expected in 1949, which would make it the biggest tourist year since 1935.
ISRAELI EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON STARTS PUBLICATION OF NEWSLETTER
Integration of the Arab community in Israel is described in a front-page article in the “Israel Newsletter,” the first issue of which was published today by the Israeli Embassy here. Cooperation between Arabs and the predominantly Jewish population has been much advanced, according to the article. Particular emphasis is paid to participation of Arabs in political life and labor organizations.
Advances in education for Arabs, particularly Arab girls who were totally neglected under Mandatory rule, are also reported. The article tells of Arabs in the government health program, and other benefits extended to all citizens.Assistance of the state to mosques and Moslem religious worship is described.The bulletin will be published twice monthly, to report on “the political, economic and social life of Israel.”
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The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
