Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov explains that “Despite the continuing effects of Operation Pillar of Defense and the geopolitical situation in the region, it would appear that the intensive activities of the Tourism Ministry are bearing fruit. I hope that the incoming minister will continue the momentum in tourism and will work to implement the recognition of the importance of tourism as an engine for economic growth.”

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics data, there were 233,000 visitor entries in February 2013, a similar number to February 2012 which was a record figure for the month of February, and 7% higher than February 2011. Of these, tourists (not including day visitors) accounted for 184,000 entries, 8% less than in February 2012 and 2011 but 3% more than February 2010.

161,000 visitor entries by air were recorded in February 2013 (6% less than 2012), of whom 4,700 arrived on direct flights to Uvda to vacation in Eilat (27% less than last year). About 23,000 came through the land borders, 18% less than February 2012.

There was a dramatic increase in day visitors, with 49,000 entries in February, 52% more than February 2012. Of these day visitors, 27,000 arrived on cruise ships, 3 times more than last year. 20,000 entries were via land (6% less than February 2012) and 2,300 via air (15% more than last year)

During the first two months of 2013, there were 450,000 visitor entries – the drop on the same period last year decreased to 3%. Of these entries, 351,000 were tourists, 10% down on the same period last year and 2011. 305,000 visitors arrived by air, 7% less than the same period in 2012. About 100,000 were day visitors of which half (48,000) arrived on cruise ships, 4% less than last year and 5000 arrived by air (an increase of 14%)

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)