Based on the Central Bureau of Statistics data released this week, 1.4 million visitors arrived in the months January � May 2012, 6% more than the same period in 2011 and 4% more than 2010, which was a record year. Of these, 1.2 million were tourists, 3% more than the same period last year.

In May 2012, another record was set with incoming tourism (visitors and tourists). About 321,000 visitors arrived in Israel, 4% more than the monthly record of 308,000 reached in the months of May 2010 and 2011.� Among tourists (those spending more than one night in Israel), about 269,000 arrived in May 2012, 1% more than the previous record set in May 2011.

There was an increase in those arriving by air with 1 million entries during Jan-May 2012 (2% more than the same period last year) and about 182,400 tourists crossed into Israel by land, 10% more than the same period last year.

(YWN � Israel Desk, Jerusalem)