Israel’s upward trend in tourism continued in February 2018. There was a 28% increase in incoming tourism on last February and since the beginning of the year: more than half a million tourist entries– 25% increase on same period last year and 56% more than 2016 – and NIS1.54 billion injected into the economy

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 299,400 tourist entries were recorded in February 2018, about 28% more than February 2017. In the period January-February 2018, about 556,000 tourist entries were recorded, 25% increase on the same period last year. Revenue from tourism in February reached about $440 million.

It should be noted that the largest increases were registered in those countries in which the ministry is investing its marketing efforts – 26% increase in USA, 170% in Poland, 87% in Sweden, and about 50% growth in Germany and Italy.

February 2018

There was a 28% increase in tourist entries in February 2018 as compared to 2017 and 57% increase on February 2016.

• 265,900 tourist entries were by air, an increase of 27% on 2017 and 51% on February 2016.

• 33,400 tourists arrived via the land crossings, 36% more than in February 2017 and 127% more than in 2016.

• 15,500 arrived as day visitors in February, 63% increase in February 2017 and 31% more than in 2016.

January- February 2018

In January- February 2018, about 556,000 tourist entries were recorded, an increase of 25% on the same period in 2017 (446,000) and 56% more than in 2016. Since the beginning of the year, tourism has injected $817 million into the Israeli economy.

Tourism Minister Yariv Levin responded, “Month after month, we are witnessing new achievements and record levels of incoming tourists and I am pleased that impressive increases were recorded in February as well. The marketing activities and the innovative steps we are taking, together with the incentives for airlines and investment in infrastructure, all this is proving itself month after month, as the tourism industry continues to contribute significantly to the Israeli economy and the labor market.”

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)