Israel launches plan to woo back visitors

Israel is launching a four-point plan to boost its tourism income following a fall in visitors last year because of the conflict in Gaza.

International arrivals slumped 11% as a result of security fears and adverse publicity over the controversial military offensive. Tourism minister Stas Misezhnikov said Israel wants to attract one million extra visitors by 2013. “We have a plan covering better marketing, better product awareness and better products,” he said. Marketing will focus more on selected target groups and there will be upgraded destination information for tour operators and travel agents. “We also want to improve service quality, and we need new hotels quickly,” said Misezhnikov. The minister emphasised that Israel is a safe destination for tourists.
Hall 23b, Stand 208