There were 232,000 visitor arrivals in Israel in February 2012, representing a 6% increase compared to February 2011 and a new record for Israel.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov: “The increased momentum of tourism to Israel is the result of focused and intensive international marketing activity in spite of regional turmoil and the ongoing economic crisis in Europe. The Ministry of Tourism will continue its marketing operations worldwide, with emphasis on the markets of China, India, South Korea, Russia and South America”.

The month of February 2012 has broken records in the tourism industry in Israel. During the month there were 232,000 visitor arrivals, 6% more than in February 2011, and an increase of 4% compared to February 2010, the previous record high till now.2010 was the year that until this month. Out of 232,000 arrivals, 200,000 were tourist entries which is another all-time record high. This is an increase of 1% on February 2011, and 12% increase in comparison with February 2010. Since the beginning of the year 388,900 tourists have arrived in Israel, similar to 2011, when 388,500 tourists arrived in Israel.

Based on Central Bureau of Statistics data released February saw a significant increase in tourism to Israel: 32,000 entries were day visitors, 55% more than February 2011; 21,300 entries were recorded through land borders – 4 times the amount of February 2011, which saw a reduction due to the political events in Egypt. In addition, 28,000 tourist entries were recorded via land crossings, an increase of 22% in comparison to February 2011. 8100 entries were recorded from Taba to Eilat – 5 times the amount of February 2011.

According to Central Bureau of Statistics, there is a stable trend in flights to Israel. In the month of February there were 172,000 arrivals by air, 1% less than in February 2011. Of which, 6,400 tourists came on direct flights to Eilat and Uvda. From the beginning of the year, 329,000 tourists have arrived by air, 1% more than January – February 2011.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)