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Tel Aviv to host 2019 Eurovision song contest

“Eurovision is a perfect fit for our city, which has been internationally acclaimed for its vibrant energy, creative spirit, lively cultural scene and celebration of freedom,” Mayor Ron Huldai enthused.

By: World Israel News Staff

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) selected Tel Aviv as the most suitable host city for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest.

Netta Barzilai, 25, won the contest in Lisbon, Portugal in May with “Toy,” a catchy techno dance tune about women’s empowerment.

It is the first time ever that Tel Aviv is hosting the show as well as the third time the competition is being held in Israel.

Israel hosted the event in 1979 and 1999 at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center.

“Next time in Jerusalem!” Barzilai shouted to the audience as she picked up her award.

A main factor in the decision to hold the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv rather than Jerusalem is reportedly the ability to hold rehearsals on Friday night and Saturday, the Jewish sabbath, which is a mandatory requirement by the EBU.

“The City of Tel Aviv- Yafo is delighted to host the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest,” Mayor Ron Huldai said.

“The Eurovision is a perfect fit for our city, which has been internationally acclaimed for its vibrant energy, creative spirit, lively cultural scene and celebration of freedom. We are looking forward to host a joyful and Nonstop event, in the spirit of Tel Aviv-Yafo.

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“We are convinced that in collaboration with KAN we will produce one of the most incredible Eurovision competitions ever,” he stated.

The 2019 Eurovision Semi-Finals will be held in Tel Aviv on May 14 and 16, and the Finals are to be held on Saturday night, May 18.

The municipality will also host, among other events, the opening ceremony and red carpet event at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, one of Israel’s leading artistic and cultural institutions; the official Eurovision key handover ceremony and the semi-final allocation draw at the historical Town Hall; and the world’s largest Eurovision Village, on the Tel Aviv boardwalk, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.

Tel Aviv ‘eager and ready as ever’

According to Gidi Schmerling, project director of the 2019 Eurovision on behalf of the Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality, “The city will be exposed to the world through the eyes of the 1500 journalists, and thousands of tourists that will descend upon the city for the Eurovision events…. Dozens of events will take place throughout the city on top of the main events, turning the city into one big Eurovision celebration.”

“Tel Aviv is eager and ready as ever to host large events, and the Eurovision Song Contest is a fantastic opportunity to expose our Non-Stop city,” said Eytan Schwartz, CEO, Tel Aviv Global & Tourism. “The contest will take place at the Tel Aviv Expo – Israel’s largest and most sophisticated venue – and the other events will show the unparalleled variety of cool, fun, energetic and unique locations that make our city the perfect destination for all purposes.”

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As indicated by data gathered from previous host cities, around 20,000 tourists are expected to arrive in Tel Aviv, and the city will gain an estimated of NIS 100 million in direct revenues.