NEW YORK (Jan. 18, 2008) — More Americans visited Israel in 2007 than in any year since the modern state’s founding in 1948, the Israel Ministry of Tourism reported today.

"This is a wonderful way for us to start 2008, the year in which we Israelis will celebrate the 60th anniversary of our country's independence," says Arie Sommer, Israel’s tourism commissioner for North and South America. “We expect the flow of visitors to continue to increase in the year ahead."

Some 25% of all tourists to Israel come from the United States, with more than a half million Americans visiting Israel in 2007. The previous record year was 1999.

"The burgeoning tourism figures reflect a growing awareness amongst Americans that Israel is a destination that is safe, and that is ideal for rewarding, inspiring and multi-faceted vacations," Sommer said.

In March 2008, Delta Airlines will add a second daily flight from the United States to Israel. Continental Airlines operates two daily flights from New York to Tel Aviv, El Al Israel Airlines offers as many as six daily flights between the U.S. and Israel, and Israel carrier, Israir, offers up to five weekly flights from JFK to Tel Aviv.

In the summer of 2007, the Israel Ministry of Tourism launched its largest ever advertising campaign, a three-year effort that organizers hope will double tourism to the country by 2010.

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