Israel Launches "Galilee Spirit" for Pre-Paid Stays

(The magnificent Bahai shrine, above, in Haifa. Israel is the world headquarters of this religious group)

Israel's Ministry of Tourism has launched "Galilee Spirit," an innovative program for Americans to pre-pay now for discount-priced stays at hotels, inns and bed-and-breakfasts throughout northern Israel and use their prepaid accommodation any time through June 30, 2007.

(A children's water park at the Sea of Galilee)

If they wish, travelers may also give the stays to friends or family. Full details are available at www.goisrael.com. Click onto "Galilee Spirit."

Gearing up to celebrate its 60th Anniversary in 2008, Israel expects to receive between 2.5 and 3 million visitors in 2006.

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