Violence in Israel and the Middle East continues to decimate
Israel’s tourism industry. The number of travelers is down 70%
since 2000, according to government figures.
But the Israel government is still working to attract visitors.
Faced with the cold reality of the situation, officials are
focusing on markets that are tried and true primarily religious
travelers, according to Dana Kempler, director of public relations
for the Israel Government Tourist Office’s Western region.
While tourists looking for beach or spa vacations may be looking
elsewhere, some members of the Jewish and Christian communities
still see travel to Israel as important and meaningful.
“Many of the people who are going today are going to show
solidarity,” Kempler said.
Israel tourism representatives have been attending Christian
conferences and hosting groups of Christian writers to encourage
religious journeys to the Holy Land.
Most recently, Kempler has been staging seminars throughout the
West for Christian groups focusing on the stories of women in the
Bible.
“We’re seeing a really good response,” Kempler said. “There is a
lot of interest among Christian women groups to go to Israel to
learn about the women in the Bible.”
In the Southern region, Magda Sanchez of the Israel Ministry of
Tourism has staged three presentations specifically reaching out to
Latino church groups in Texas in recent weeks.
“It’s the first time we’ve been able to communicate to them in
their own language,” Sanchez said. “In the Latino community there’s
a trust factor when you’re from their own background.”
Each reception has drawn 15 to 25 people. Initially, attendees
are skeptical, but many see that a trip to Israel can be more than
a personal spiritual journey, Sanchez said. “By traveling you’re
saying it’s OK to be there.”
The U.S. State Department continues to warn travelers to defer
travel to Israel. On its Web site (http://travel.state.
gov/travel_warnings.html) American citizens are warned to “avoid
locations such as restaurants and cafes, shopping areas, malls,
pedestrian zones, public buses and bus stops or other crowded
venues and the areas around them.”
The potential for attacks in Jerusalem, where frequent terrorist
acts have occurred, remains high, according to the State
Department.
Americans should also avoid large crowds and demonstrations, the
State Department says.
The Israel Ministry of Tourism has their own suggestions about
how to safely travel in Israel. For example, they recommend that
travelers in some areas hire qualified drivers instead of using
public transportation. Office personnel will also provide detailed
information about safe roads and potential hot spots.
“We want people to know we’re here and that we can help,”
Sanchez said.
Call 800-472-6364. Web site: www.goisrael. com.
