CSI investigates the Israeli scene

Four of the leading actors from the award-winning television crime shows CSI:NY and CSI:Miami arrived in Israel on Wednesday and will tour the country over the coming week as guests of the Tourism Ministry.

Jonathan Frederick Togo and Omar Benson Miller (stars of CSI: Miami) and Carmine Giovinazzo and AJ Buckley (stars of CSI: NY) will visit Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Dead Sea, Masada and the Galilee among other sites. The ministry said it is the first time any of the actors have visited the country.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov explained that when it comes to improving Israel’s tourism image he has stars in his eyes.

Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov. (photo credit: Yossi Zamir/Flash 90)

“Over the last year, the Tourism Ministry has increased its hosting of celebrities and opinion-formers with the objective of exposing Israel’s tourism product and increasing incoming tourism,” said Misezhnikov. “Millions of people follow the activities of these leaders on the various social media platforms and via traditional media.”

Misezhnikov noted that incoming tourism has reached all time high and is expected to top 3.8 million visitors by the end of the year.