Paper Title
Characteristics of Free Independent Tourists (Fit) and Organized Tourists: A Comparison

Abstract
In recent years independent tourism has captured an increasing share of international tourism. The characteristics of Free Independent Tourists(FIT)differ from those of organized tourists. The purpose of the current research is to identify the characteristics of FIT tourists in order to encourage this type of tourism and increase the effect on tourists' expenses. The current research is based on a data set collected from 748 tourists at the conclusion of their visit to Israel in 2016.Initial results indicate that FIT tourists usually are more educated than organized tourists yetthe groups do not differ in age. The results of the current study imply that suppliers of independent tourist services should appeal to customers with higher education. Index Terms - Expenses, FIT tourists, organized tours, tourism.