This presentation argues that Israel and the Middle East could become the next major backpacking destination. It cites supporting factors such as religious sites, natural wonders, and culture that would attract visitors. The region is also close to major European markets and has growing low-cost airline access. However, terrorism and regional instability could discourage some tourists. Overall it believes the region has strong potential if security trends improve and marketing highlights the destination.

1. Israel
and
the
Middle
East
The
next
backpacker
world
hotspot!?

2. Who
am
I?
Partner/Manager
Abraham
Tours: Abraham
Hostel
Tours
to:
Jerusalem:
Israel,
West
Bank,
Jordan,
Egypt 72
rooms
220
beds
400
People
on
tours
per
85%
average
occupancy
month
Tripadvisor
#1
(90%)
Hostel
World
#1
(92%)

3. Israel
and
the
Middle
East
The
next
backpacker
world
hotspot!?
Presenta>on
Outline
1. Stats
&
Numbers
2. Suppor>ng
Factors
Local
/
Regional
3.
Discouraging
Factors
4.
Regional
Poten>al

4. Stats
&
Numbers
a. Total
number
of
tourists
in
2010:
3.5
million
b. Number
of
Independent
tourists:
525,000
(15%)-­‐1,050,000
(30%)

5. Local
Suppor>ng
Factors:
Sites
and
Proximity
Intro
of
Modern
Religion acQviQes to
EU Low
cost
Infrastr-­‐
Holy
Sites Airlines ucture Current
3.5
billion
Natural
London Vueling Security
ChrisQans,
Wonders A-­‐dam AirBalitc SituaQon
Culture Berlin Tuifly
Muslims
Nightlife Paris: Easy
Jet
and
Jews
in
-­‐
4
hour
flight Air
Berlin
the
world Weather

6. Regional
Suppor>ng
Factors
Regional
PotenQal
Small
Region
Proximity
&
Accessibility
to
Major
Regional
Sites
(Petra,
Pyramids,

7. Discouraging
factors:
a.
Terrorism
and
regional
instability
b.
Expensive
in
comparison
to
region
c.
Nega>ve
public
image

8. Conclusion:
Security
The
next
backpacker
Israel
Trends
world
hotspot!?
Marke>ng