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Papal visit may bring $60 million By Irit Rosenblum Tags: Vatican, Pope, Israel News The visit to Israel of Pope Benedict XVI in May may revive the languishing tourism industry and bring in up to $60 million in revenues. The industry is suffering from the double whammy of the security situation and the world economic crisis. The visit of Pope John Paul II in March 2000 brought a large increase in tourism to Israel, which ended suddenly with the outbreak of the second intifada later that year. Some 40,000 pilgrims and tourists are expected during the week of the Pope's visit, May 8 to 15. Hotels in Jerusalem, Nazareth, Tiberias, Tel Aviv and at the Dead Sea are expected to be full for most of the visit. The main mass to be celebrated by the Pope will be held in Nazareth, the Vatican announced recently, though Haifa had been hoping to win the honor. Advertisement The Pope's visit to Israel is a major breakthrough in Israel's image and marketing, especially in light of the country's current image around the world, said Avi Ela, president of the Israel Hotel Association. "The Pope can provide the impression that Israel is a recommended tourist destination," he added. Bookmark to del.icio.us   Surprise victory Israel defeats Sweden 3-2 to advance to Davis Cup tennis quarterfinals. Nuclear threshold MI chief: Iran has crossed 'technological threshold' in quest for nukes

Read & React U.S. turns up heat on Israel over West Bank settlements Responses: 222 Rahat man videotapes children burning dogs alive Responses: 68 Gideon Levy: Devoid of hope or promise, Israel's leadership offer only fear Responses: 44 U.S. Army document describes Israel as 'a nuclear power' Responses: 71 More Headlines 22:36 Katsav`s accuser: I am not afraid of a trial 18:25 ANALYSIS / Credibility of alleged rape victims led to indictment 19:21 MI chief: Iran has crossed 'technological threshold' in quest for nukes 19:03 Turkish FM: Turkey trying to ease U.S.-Iran tension 21:43 Israel defeats Sweden 3-2 to advance to Davis Cup tennis quarterfinals 22:26 Shalom urges Likud unity, plays down rift with Netanyahu 15:47 Olmert to Barak: You're negating achievements of Gaza op 18:39 Danger of drought averted following heavy winter rainfall 10:48 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel 15:57 Pope officially announces Holy Land visit in May 16:24 T.A. police smash international human trafficking ring 20:08 British MP Galloway's activists clash with Egyptian security at Gaza border 14:54 Abbas says determined to form power-sharing government with Hamas 11:29 Shalit's father: We will protest until Gilad is free 16:24 Carla Bruni-Sarkozy gives boost to Hadassah AIDS fundraising 13:32 Rahat man videotapes children burning dogs alive 13:36 Why do married women earn less money than married men? Previous Editions Select Day 08 mar 06 mar 05 mar 04 mar 03 mar 02 mar 01 mar 27 feb 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 23 feb

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