Tourism in Israel had a brilliant year in 2008. Around 3 million visitors arrived, two thirds of whom were Christians. A significant increase on previous years. 

As the Tourism Ministry has reported: –

During the last decade, the ministry has invested tens of millions of shekels in developing sites including, among others, the Mount of Olives Promenade, Via Dolorosa and Christian trails in Jerusalem, Nazareth and around the Sea of Galilee.

Going forward, in less than two months from now, Pope Benedict XVI will visit the Holy Land. Although accepted that he will not be accompanied by tens of thousands of “well wishers” as his predecessor was in 2000, his entourage will still be very heavy indeed. Jerusalem hotels are already reporting full capacity for the period.

It goes further. This week, a large delegation of Israelis, representing the full spectrum of the tourism industry, visited Bethlehem.

With the cooperation of the Civil Administration, the city has been part of the boom since late 2007. In parallel, the Tourism Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Khouloud D’eibes, has given his open support to the initiatives and enhanced cooperation.

The net uplift: Welcome income for two economies, showing what can be done together. A model for economists. A slap in the face for detractors.