The stability in incoming tourism to Israel continues with the year 2012. In January 2012, about 189,000 tourists arrived in Israel, one percent less than January 2011 and an increase of 15% in comparison to January 2010 – which was Israel’s record year for tourism. In addition 231,000 entries were registered including those who stayed in Israel only for a day, about 7% less than January 2011, and an increase of about 9% as opposed to January 2010, when 212,000 visitors arrived in Israel.   Based on the Central Bureau of Statistics data released today, there was an increase on those arriving by air with 157,000 entries, and an increase of about 4% as compared to the previous year. 5,400 tourists arrived by direct flights to Uvda and Eilat, an increase of 15% in comparison to January 2011, when 4,700 tourists arrived by air.

In light of the events in Egypt and the geopolitical situation in the region, the number of one day visitors decreased by about 27% compared to 2011 and is at about 42,000 entries only. About 26,000 visitors arrived via land border crossings (a decrease of approximately 18%) and 2,300 additional visitors through air travel (a decrease of about 18%).   Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov is set on Tuesday, 21 Shevat 5772, to meet with his counterparts from Greece, Belarus, Georgia, Lithuania and Tanzania at the international tourism fair in Israel – IMTM. He stated “The year 2012 opened with vigorous and intensive work by the Tourism Ministry to achieve Israel’s tourism potential, by adjusting vacation cost and creating marketing activities to maintain Israel’s image as an attractive tourism destination. This activity will allow us to meet our target for the year 2012 – 4 million tourists and as a result, an increase in revenue for the economy and the number of employees in the tourism industry. ”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)