By Adam Michael Segal

Have you been to Israel this year?

If you’re a Canuck, then there is a very good chance that you have.

In 2008, approximately 75,000 visitors from Canada are expected to visit the Holy Land, according to the country’s Ministry of tourism. 

That’s quite an increase from 2007, when 61,000 Canadians touched down in Israel. 

Considering how far Canada is from Israel and the fact we don’t have a large population based on the size of the country, those numbers are significant.

Moreover, Canadians stayed in Israel an average of at least 10 days, which is a much higher figure when compared to other countries.

So who are these Israel-loving tourists?

In general, the largest segment are Jewish Canadians along with evangelical Christians.  But the demographics of Canadian visitors to Israel are starting to broaden, largely as a result of strategic marketing efforts.

The Tourism Ministry has launched a far-reaching campaign to brand Israel as a hip and trendy destination to visit.

Ads feature everything from Israeli cowboys to attractive dancers.

Regardless of who is visiting, tourism is a major boost to Israel’s economy accounting for as much as 6% of the country’s total Gross Domestic Product.

Let’s just see how many more of us make it to The Land in 2009!

Related posts:

1. Why camels in the Holy Land are like Moose in the Great White North
2. Holy Land Cuisine a Healthy Hit in Toronto
3. Israelis and Canadians Strike Big Business Deals With CIIRDF