From 19 September, Russian tourists can start coming to Israel without the need for visas.  The influx expected once the visitors no longer have to fork over the additional $120 for a visa and navigate the gauntlet of bureaucracy involved in getting one should be huge.  Huge enough, in fact, that the Ministry of Tourism fears there might not be enough seats on the current routes between Israel and Russia [read more]

In just over a week from now (as of 19 September), Russian tourists can start coming to Israel without the need for visas (and vice versa).  With more Russian visitors in the first half of 2008 than in all of 2007 put together (150,000 versus 130,000, respectively, not counting day-visitors from neighbouring countries), the influx expected once the visitors no longer have to fork over the additional $120 for a visa and navigate the gauntlet of bureaucracy involved in getting one should be huge.

Huge enough, in fact, that the Ministry of Tourism fears there might not be enough seats on the current routes between Israel and Russia for the anticipated additional 100,000 tourists annually.  At present El Al is the only Israeli airline flying to Russia, with two flights daily to Moscow and St. Petersburg.  As a result, the Ministry of Transport is being pressured to appoint a second airline to fly that route.  Both Israir and Arkia airlines have expressed an interest in adding the Russian route to their operations.