Based on the Central Bureau of Statistics data released this week, 1.4 million visitors arrived in the months January – May 2012, 6% more than the same period in 2011 and 4% more than 2010, which was a record year. Of these, 1.2 million were tourists, 3% more than the same period last year.

In May 2012, another record was set with incoming tourism (visitors and tourists). About 321,000 visitors arrived in Israel, 4% more than the monthly record of 308,000 reached in the months of May 2010 and 2011.  Among tourists (those spending more than one night in Israel), about 269,000 arrived in May 2012, 1% more than the previous record set in May 2011.

There was an increase in those arriving by air with 1 million entries during Jan-May 2012 (2% more than the same period last year) and about 182,400 tourists crossed into Israel by land, 10% more than the same period last year.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)