Israel's ancient Incense Route through the Negev Desert was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO Monday at a ceremony in the Negev town of Avdat.

Other places along the route incluse Tel Megiddo, Tel Be'er Sheva and Tel Hatzor. The route itself was mentioned in the Tanach (Bible), when the Queen of the South travelled the "Gold and Incense Route" to meet King Solomon in Jerusalem.

Negev and Galilee development bodies hope the designation will herald a rise in tourism to the region.