The ancient Incense Route in the Negev Desert was declared a world heritage by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on Monday. Several other ceremonies are to be held this week to mark the event, which could mean a substantial increase in tourism for sites along the old route.

The main ceremony took place in Avdat, and was attended by Environment Minister Gideon Ezra as well as director-general of the Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority (INPPA) Eli Amitai. Three other places along the route - Tel Megiddo, Tel Hatzor and Tel Be'er Sheva - are to be declared world heritage sites tomorrow.

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Other world heritage sites around the world have seen a tremendous increase in tourism after they had been declared as such, and the various authorities involved in the project hope the Incense Route will be no exception.

The declaration adding the route to 830 other world heritage sites around the globe was made possible through years of preparatory work by the INPPA and the Negev and Galilee development authorities. These efforts finally bore fruit this week with the final seal of approval by UNESCO.

One of the most impressive stretches along the Incense Route is the 65-kilometer segment connecting the ancient settlement of Moa (near Tzofar in the Arava Desert) with the ancient Nabatean city of Avdat.

The road is mentioned in the Bible, stating that the "Queen of the South" traveled on the "Gold and Incense Road" to meet King Solomon in Jerusalem. It is also mentioned in the Koran.