Published on : Saturday, January 11, 2014
Israel saw an increasing number inbound travelers, despite blizzard and disrupted flight schedules. The number of entries has broken all records in December 2013. The tourism minister announced that 272,000 people entered in December and the year saw 3.5 million travelers in Israel.
The percentage of tourist entering Israel increased to a double in 2013 than 2012, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. The number of visitors to Israel was 14 percent higher in December 2013 alone.
Of the 272,000 entries recorded in December 2013, 241,000 were by tourists, 24% more than in December 2012 and 12% and 11% more than December 2010 and 2011, respectively. Two hundred and eleven thousand entries were by air, 22% more than in December 2012, while the other arrivals were made through the various land crossings into Israel. December 2012, while the other arrivals were made through the various land crossings into Israel.
The leading home countries for incoming tourism were said to be the United States, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Tourism’s contribution to Israel’s economy was reported to be some NIS 40 billion ($11.42 billion).
Jerusalem saw the maximum visitations with 75% of the visitation here; the Western Wall was the most visited site with 68% going there.
53% Christian’s visitors came to Israel followed by 28% Jews. Tourists have recorded a satisfaction rate of 4.3 out of 5 and also particularly remarked on the improved behavior of the attitude of the Israeli public.
A 3% increase was also marked in domestic tourism. Tourists were also said to be eschewing hotels for alternative accommodation, such as youth hostels.
The tourism minister will continually invest in tourism by opening new markets and actively market the tourism products.
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