Four Years of Increased Tourism

Published on: November 26, 2012

Two weeks ago, representatives of the tourism industry gathered together to look back of four years of increased numbers of tourists coming to Israel.   They also looked forward to the future and discussed the challenges to the tourism industry in the coming years.  Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said, “In the past four years the tourism industry saw a record number of tourists and revenue to the state. Tourist has become the growth engine of the economy. Now, after Operation “Pillar of Defense,” we face larger challenges, and I will do my best to meet them.”

In addition, a few days before Operation Pillar of Defense, Minister Misezhnikov met with the patriarch and chairman of the Foreign Relations Department of the Church and discussed the development and preservation of the holy places in Israel. Minister Misezhnikov stressed that one of the main goals  is to continue increasing the number of visitors to Chrsitian holy sites – especially visitors from Russia,Ukraine and other countries subject to the Moscow Patriarchate.

 Misezhnikov expressed interest in strengthening ties with the Division visits the holy places of the Russian Orthodox Church, which includes about 145 million followers around the world and promised that he will do whatever is necessary for visitors to the holy sites to feel comfortable during their stay in the Holy Land.

The Patriarch said, “Christians must visit the holy places in Israel at least once in a lifetime and even more often if possible.”