Rural tourism in Israel

A national census of bed and breakfast (B&B) operations in the rural regions of Israel identified the characteristics of the operators and guests, By comparing the results of this study with those conducted in Europe and North America, it was possible to conclude that rural tourism is, in many but not all respects, similar throughout the world, Like rural tourism businesses in other parts of the world, most Israeli operators went into the business in order to supplement their income and enable them to stay on the farm, The typical B&B operation was found to be a small business that operates only during a short season, and generates a relatively low income, The market segment attracted to these type of vacations were domestic young families with children living at home, possessing college education and earning above-average incomes. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.