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Posted on Wednesday 11 April 2012 in Israel, Jerusalem
Although the country of Israel may be small in size, many tourists choose to visit this country on holiday for its rich cultural history and scenic landscapes. Indians who love adventure travel and want to see a new part of the world could consider a trip to this beautiful destination. Many have already decided to take their getaways in Israel, as recent statistics reported the number of visitors is on the rise.
According to Haaretz.com, last February roughly 230,000 individuals came to the country on business and leisure holidays. This was more than a 4 per cent increase over 2010's figures for the month, and a 6 percent rise from February of 2011. Many of these travellers are staying for extended periods of time, but others are simply checking out the area for a day or two while waiting for a flight to their final destination. Either way, more guests are heading to Israel and experts say they hope this will carry over into the Passover season this April.
Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov says that the organisation is looking to reach a wider audience as interest in Israel increases. Some of the countries Misezhnikov intends to target are Russia, China, South Korea and India.
With niche tourism focusing on particular aspects of a destination, this country is working toward specialising on certain demographics of travellers as well as how to highlight Israel's unique traditions and customs. For instance, the Machane Yehuda produce market in Jerusalem has been experiencing an increase in tourists wishing to try out a culinary tour of the region, reports Israel21.
Some travellers are hiring local guides to help them navigate the winding alleyways of this massive market so that they can purchase and sample the best and freshest ingredients for sale. Chefs from the area are beginning to use markets like these to source from for their menus or even offer some of their prepared foods in the bazaar.
Reuven and Mor Pilo, a couple that founded a new tourism company that specialises in local gastronomy, say that Jerusalem is the ideal spot for drawing in new tourists looking to have a culinary adventure.
"If you're talking about Jerusalem you're talking about a melting pot of ethnic communities," Reuven told the news source. "All those other sites are important, but we think that the business we developed brings you to the real Jerusalem - the people, the food, the customs."
When it comes to targeting demographics that may be interested in Israel tourism, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community is being encouraged to come and check out the sights. One New York native named Russell Lord is leading this campaign, since he decided to make the country his permanent residence since the 1980s.
According to The Windy City Media Group, Lord created itineraries for LGBT travellers to suit their interests, whether it be historical landmarks, entertainment or luxury travel attractions.
"My career in tourism has given me the opportunity to meet great people, make wonderful friends, and to promote a country that I love, that I've made my home, and that has accepted me as one of them," Lord said in a statement.
Indian travellers who have a diverse set of tastes and wish to see new things on their holiday can head to Israel this summer for an exciting trip to this interesting destination.
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