Israel's record rise in tourism

Israel is looking forward to a record rise in tourism in 2008 as the country marks its 60th anniversary. Experts predict 2.8 million holidaymakers, which would mean a 21% improvement on 2007, which is largely the result of new initiatives by cruise companies, many of whom are planning to return to the country for the first time since 2000 – using the ports of Haifa and Ashdod.

Now Holland-America Line has nearly a dozen cruises scheduled between May and October 2008, and Celebrity Cruises are offering two itineraries calling at both Haifa and Ashdod on a two week Holy Land cruise running in August and September. Princess Cruises are offering two twelve night itineraries that feature both Israeli ports between May to November.

Cruise passengers visiting Israel have traditionally be predominantly American, a section of the community that became unhappy about the risks of terrorism or other forms of violence in the region in 2000.