Nearly 900,000 Visit Israeli Parks During Sukkot Holiday

Approximately 900,000 people visited Israel's nature reserves and national parks during the week-long Sukkot holiday, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. The holiday period saw a large influx of both local residents and tourists seeking outdoor activities and visits to prominent attractions.

Several dozen popular natural and historical sites attracted the most visitors. Among the most frequented were Gan HaShlosha National Park, known for its warm springs, Springs Park, and Tel Ashkelon National Park. The Yarkon National Park and the ancient port of Caesarea also received a significant number of guests.

Nature enthusiasts and hikers favored the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve near the Dead Sea, Maayan Harod at the foot of Mount Gilboa, and the Banias Nature Reserve in the north, famous for its waterfalls. Other highly popular locations included the national park surrounding the walls of Jerusalem, Einot Tzukim Nature Reserve, and the Dor HaBonim coastal nature reserve.

In addition to day trips, around 39,000 people opted for overnight stays in official campsites managed by the Nature and Parks Authority across the country, allowing for extended hiking and outdoor sleeping experiences.

The high volume of visitors during Sukkot traditionally places a strain on the infrastructure of tourist sites. The Nature and Parks Authority reported that its staff worked in an intensified capacity to ensure visitor safety and maintain cleanliness. The authority noted that the holiday passed without major incidents and that interest in domestic tourism remains consistently high.