Israel voted 28th best vacation destination in major British survey

Annual poll of top 50 countries ranks Holy Land 8 places up from 2014-2015, ahead of France and Spain.

By DANIEL K. EISENBUD
Updated: APRIL 18, 2016 00:42
An El Al Boeing 777 aircraft is seen at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport (photo credit: NIR ELIAS/REUTERS/IDF SPOKESMAN)
An El Al Boeing 777 aircraft is seen at Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion International Airport
(photo credit: NIR ELIAS/REUTERS/IDF SPOKESMAN)
Israel rose eight places, to 28th out of 50 countries, in a survey of the world’s best vacation destinations conducted by Britain’s 2015-16 Telegraph Travel Awards, beating out such traditionally vaunted countries as Greece and France.
The recently released comprehensive survey – which collected data from 75,000 readers regarding numerous criteria – found that security issues have not adversely affected the Holy Land as a top draw for wanderlusts all over the globe.
“Security concerns do not seem to have undermined your enjoyment of Israel’s fascinating sights,” the survey concluded, noting that interest in Jerusalem appears to transcend perceptions of volatility.
“... whatever your political views, Jerusalem in particular is one of the world’s greatest historical destinations, and is too often overlooked as a destination for a fascinating city break.”
The top 10 countries were New Zealand (for the fourth consecutive year); the Maldives; South Africa; Japan; Myanmar; Australia; the Seychelles; Tanzania; Namibia; and Botswana.
Cape Town was voted best city, followed by Vancouver and Venice.
According to the survey, Israel ranked ahead of Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Austria and France.
Despite its notable rise in the annual poll, tourism to Israel continues to reel following six month of terrorist attacks.