In April 2012, about 354,000 visitors arrived in Israel, 19% more than in April 2011 and an increase of 12% in comparison to April 2010 – which was Israel’s record year for tourism. Another record was registered among incoming tourists (those spending more than one night in Israel), with about 296,000 in April 2012, 13% more than the same period last year and 11% more than April 2010.

Based on the Central Bureau of Statistics data released Wednesday, 17 Iyar 5772 over a million visitors arrived in the first third of 2012, 6% more than the same period in 2011 and 4% more than 2010. A similar increase was recorded among tourists during Jan-April 2012 with about 933,000 tourists visiting Israel, 4% more than the record set for the same period last year.   There was an increase on those arriving by air with 793,000 entries during Jan-April 2012 (3% more than the same period last year) about 140,000 tourists crossed into Israel by land, 8% more than the same period last year. Given the political stability in Egypt, there was a significant increase in arrivals through Taba, with 42,600 tourists representing an increase of 30% compared to the same period last year.

Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, said: “The consistent increase in the numbers of visitors entering Israel positions the country as an attractive tourism destination of the first order, makes a contribution to the national economy and increases employment market in the center and the periphery.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)