Despite numerous attractions, Israel’s tourism industry continues each year to draw 2.5 million visitors, many of them Americans. That figure has been the same for the past decade meaning tourism has reached a plateau.
 

The plateau continues even as advertising budgets have increased and government officials have promoted the country.
 

Why is that?
 

“One reason for this is that tourists generally seek peaceful locales. Hence, wars and terror attacks keep tourists wondering whether Israel will be safe at the time of their planned vacation, and many forego the visit,” reports ynetnews.com, an Israeli news service.
 

Periodic episodes of violence have deterred visitor growth, as cited by ynetnews.
 

Ami Etgar, CEO of the Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association (IITOA), says that while security issues pose a serious obstacle for the tourism industry, other factors also make it difficult for large groups to visit Israel. He said:
 

"In Israel there are almost no international hotel chains because entrepreneurs from abroad don't like to invest. (here)”
 

Etgar says that a longer history of peace is needed to attract investors. "But mostly (entrepreneurs) need help in removing bureaucratic barriers," he said.
 

Another obstacle for incoming tourism are rules and regulations set up by the Interior Ministry, observers say.
 

By David Wilkening