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Swimsuit Issue Travel: Is '08 The Year for Israel?

Am I overdressed?

It's amazing that Sports Illustrated has managed to keep it's cover model and shooting locations secret, but a lack of facts didn't stop New York Post gossip queen/crazy lady Cindy Adams from speculating that the issue would feature Israel. The Ministry of Tourism, Adams says, sponsored a trip to the Holy Land for a photo shoot with native Israeli Bar Refaeli on the shores of the Dead Sea.

SI has confirmed that a crew was in Israel, but added that the tourism department didn't pay for anything. (Directly chipping in money would be a journalism no-no.) The ministry did something similar last year when it helped Maxim put together a "Women of the Israeli Defense Forces" spread.

Funny thing is, the country doesn't really need the free publicity. Riding the wave from its largest-ever advertising campaign, Israel set a new record for tourist arrivals in 2007, with more than 2 million visitors dropping by.

Related Stories:
· SI Swimsuit Issue Heavy on Israel [NYP]
· Ethics of the SI Swimsuit Issue [Portfolio]
· Make-Your-Own Beyonce Getaway [Jaunted]

[Photo: Bar Refaeli]