Only about 5,000 single-day trip tourists entered Israel by land from neighboring Arab countries in February - a drop of 83% from the previous month's numbers. The sharp drop in this type of tourism - largely made up of people who enter Israel after vacationing in Sinai resorts - has led Israel's Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov to announce a 45 million shekel ($12.7 million) advertising campaign.
"The regional crisis represents a challenge and an opportunity for tourism to Israel," Misezhnikov said at the Israeli stand at ITB Berlin, the world's biggest tourism fair. The campaign would "position Israel as an alternative destination for those tourists who, until now, would take their vacations in other countries in the region," a statement from his office added.
Countries to be targeted by the campaign include the United States, Russia, Germany, England, France and Scandinavian countries.
Focused marketing activity will also be carried out among the Jews of France, who tend to choose North African destinations for their summer vacations. The campaign will offer Israel as an alternative setting for their trips.
About 220,000 tourists entered Israel in February - 2% less than the same month last year. However, the number of tourists who stayed in Israel for more than one night grew by 10% from February 2010. About 466,000 tourists entered the Jewish state in January and February combined - a 7% rise from last year.