The Tourism Ministry is expecting about 130,000 visitors in Israel over the period of Pesach. About 20 direct flights are expected in Uvda airport, bringing tourists from France, Russia and the UK to celebrate the Passover holidays in Eilat.
Given the ongoing effects of Operation Protective Edge on incoming tourism, as well as the economic crisis in Russia (Israel’s second largest source country for incoming tourism), the ministry views these statistics as a vote of confidence in the Israeli tourism product. According to reports received by the ministry occupancy levels in most of the popular tourism areas will reach 80-90%, with some areas completely full.
The Israel Government Tourist Offices in Jerusalem (Jaffa Gate), Nazareth, Eilat promenade and in the arrivals hall at Ben-Gurion airport will be open as normal during the holiday period, offering services and information to tourists about attractions, national parks, tours, events, festivals etc.
The land crossings (Allenby, Rabin, Jordan River and Taba) will be open as normal throughout the Pesach. On 20 Nissan, the Allenby crossing will be open from 08:00-15:00 and the Jordan River crossing from 06:30 – 19:00. On 21 Nissan, all the other crossings will be operate as normal.
Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau: “There are many sites in Israel that are holy to different religions and the Tourism Ministry invests significant resources in order to encourage incoming tourism during the time of religious holidays. In addition to the historical and religious sites, tourists will enjoy spring weather and a wealth of cultural activities from the north to the south of the country.”
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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It is interesting that while YWN focuses on the number coming to visit Israel (including Jews coming for Pesach and Christians coming for their holiday), the secular press focuses on the much greater (more than twice as large) number of Israelis going abroad (many if not most being motivated by a desire not to observe Pesach).