According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 295,000 visitors entered Israel in June 2013, 3% more than June 2012, 13% more than in 2011. Of these, 241,000 were tourists (staying more than one night), similar to June 2012, 6% more than in 2011 and 13% more than June 2010.

54,000 entries were recorded by day visitors, 24% more than June 2012.Of these, 16,000 arrived on cruise ships (52% more than last June). 16,000 day visitors arrived via the land crossings (14% decrease on June 2012) and about 22,000 by air (51% more than last June).

210,000 entries were by air (similar to June 2012 and higher than 2011 and 2010. 31,000 arrived through the border crossings, 2% less than June 2012; 24,000 came through the border with Jordan (10% decrease) and about 8,000 through Taba and Eilat (38% more than last June).

January-June 2013

Since the beginning of 2013 through June, 1.7 million visitors arrived in Israel, 1% more than the same period in 2012, 8% more than 2011 and 6% more than 2010. This represents another record figure for the months Jan-June, breaking the previous record from 2012. Of these entries, 1.4 million were tourists, 1% less than 2012, 2% more than 2011 and 7% more than 2010. 1.2 million entries were recorded by air, similar to 2012.

About 309,000 entries were day visitors, 15% more than the same period last year. Of these entries, about 122,000 came on cruise ships, 29% more than in 2012. 138,000 came via the border crossings (1% less than 2012) and 50,000 by air (39% increase).

Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau stated “For the last few months, there has been an increase in incoming tourism in comparison to figures from last year. The Tourism Ministry views tourism as an essential engine for economic growth that creates new jobs in the periphery. We will continue our work in growing the number of visitors to Israel and realizing the tourism potential.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)