Papal visit may bring $60 million

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.

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.