(TAN): The Jerusalem Development Authority has rolled out an interactive online platform – Jerusalem is Traveling2U, to enable travellers to explore the city and participate in its cultural pursuits from the comforts of their home.
The city of Jerusalem, capital of Israel, is considered a holy city as it is sacred to several religions including Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
Established in partnership with the Jerusalem Municipality, the East Jerusalem Development Company and Bridgify, an Israeli online platform that customises tours, the platform offers a range of experiences including virtual tours and activities.
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Virtual tourists can sign up for experiences such as eTours, eAttractions, ePrayer, eCulinary and eMuseums at a scheduled time to have a closer look at the city’s cultural aspects – they can pray, shop, hike, attend prayers and workshops or stroll around museums.
While some of these experiences and activities are free, others charge a fee – someone interested in the religious facets of the city, can buy a slot in “Ancient Jerusalem – Sites of the Three Religions” for USD 9.99, whereas a food enthusiast can be part of the workshop “Casa Touson – Traditional Syrian Cuisine for Holidays & Shabbat” for USD 20. History buffs can take a free 360 virtual tour of the Kishle and King Herod’s Palace or visit the valley of David and Goliath, without having to budge from their couch.
Director of Tourism at the Jerusalem Development Authority, Ilanit Melchior, said they aim to help connect tourists from all parts of the world with the city, and especially how the upcoming holiday season is celebrated there.
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“We set a goal of keeping the city of Jerusalem in our follower’s mindset and we believe, through these activities and tours we will be able to allow tourists from all over the world feel connected to the upcoming holiday season. We are proud to launch this interactive system featuring our four virtual experiences- E-tours, E-attractions, E-prayer and E-culinary experiences for all to enjoy,” Melchoir said.
Bridgify’s founding partner and Chief Executive Officer, Amit Shamni said the company sped up its process of developing the project so that everyone stuck in their houses all over the world can experience the cultural diversity of Jerusalem.
“We all came together at record speed – these types of projects usually take a number of months to complete – in a common goal to benefit the local and global community,” he said.
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“I am proud of the product created in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality, the city I grew up in. We are looking at a new genre of travel extremely relevant to the current day and age and for the future as well and we are excited to be taking part in this process,” Shamni added.
The Jerusalem Development Authority said it plans to maintain the website even after the crisis is over so the world can still enjoy the richness of the city from different corners of the planet.
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