Jerusalem

More than 200,000 British tourists are set to visit Israel in 2008, Israel's top tourism boss has revealed.

The figure comes following the introduction of low-cost airfares to Israel from the UK as well as more scheduled flights being introduced in 2007 and was announced by Shaul Zemach, director general of The Israel Ministry of Tourism at the annual World Travel Market exhibition in London.

The number of tourists expected to visit the country is set to be up 15% compared to 2007 and Zemach said Israel would be working hard to give tourists a great time in the country and greater value for money.

With the introduction of low-cost airfares, Zemach revealed that more budget hotels would also be built in the country.

"£24m will be provided to elevate the market to provide leverage in investment. Once we increase supply, this will affect the prices," he said.

According to the Tourism boss, Israel is capturing the imagination of tourists who as well as looking for shortbreads are also considering the country for off-the-beaten-track type of holidays.