Israel has been named a top destination for the thrill-seeking tourist.

The country was labelled the number one choice for adventure tourism in the third annual survey by the Adventure Travel Development Index (ATDI).

Israel topped the list of "developing countries" offering adventure tourism – a category based on United Nations classifications – while Switzerland was first among the developed countries.

Countries were assessed by a panel of experts on the sustainability of travel opportunities, safety, use of natural and cultural resources and overall image.

Other countries in the list of "developing" hotspots included Chile, Jordan and the Czech Republic

The listmakers looked at 195 countries in the survey.

"Despite the volatile security situation, Israel is not considered unsafe by adventure travel experts," said the study's authors. "Furthermore, it has excellent infrastructure and natural and cultural resources."

They added that Israel's appeal was broadening beyond religious and "general interest tourism" and praised the country's Tourism Ministry for "promoting green initiatives throughout the country".