Israel’s News Blog Magazine: Daily Stories Video and Photos
The Israeli Ministry of Tourism has taken a whole new approach to advertising abroad. Instead of focusing on the holy sites, the Ministry is telling people they should choose Israel as their next vacation destination because it’s just…a great place to visit. Beaches! Cafes! Clubs and parties! Great restaurants! And all for far less money than European Union destinations like Greece, for example.
So now, instead of images of Israeli soldiers and the holy sites, the official Ministry of Tourism site is featuring relaxed, sun-kissed people hanging out at beachside cafes.
During a recent trip to London, I saw television advertisements and subway posters that featured gorgeous bikini-clad women lounging on the beach, sophisticated nightclubs and cool cafes. A friend told me that her impression was of a Mediterranean vacation destination like the South of France.
I actually think this is a great approach. In our increasingly secular world, fewer and fewer people are interested in spending their annual two week vacation tramping around holy sites. They’d far rather relax on the beach, soak up some sun and have a few cocktails. Israel really is a great tourist destination, and it is a real bargain for someone who earns dollars, euros or British pounds.
I particularly like the video on the Ministry of Tourism’s homepage, called “Israel as seen on TV - who knew?” It’s on the left side, just above the blurb called “Delta renews flights to Israel.”
The site itself is very good - well organized and comprehensive, with links to sites and tours that appeal to a wide variety of potential visitors. If you click on Discover Israel (left sidebar), you’ll find suggested itineraries for Muslims, Jews and Christians - and the Christian site is broken down into Catholic and Protestant denominations. And for non-religious tourists there’s - wait for it - ecotourism!
2 Comments
God willing, someday I’ll get to come for a visit.
Its about time Israel,for decades the Israeli
tourist ministry concentrated most of its efforts
and resources in promoting Israel as a religious
destination,neglecting its beautiful beaches,
archeological and historical sites,its nice resort hotels,cafes,restaurants and bars,all
for reasoable prices compared to the European
destination.
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