Incoming tourism to Israel continues to break records; 296,000 visitors arrived in Israel in July 2012, 8% more than July 2011.

Two million visitors have arrived since the beginning of the year – 1.7 million of whom are tourists; 7% more than the same period last year.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov: “Given the constant increase in demand, there is an urgent need for more hotel rooms that will increase competition in the industry and lead to a decrease in the cost of accommodation for both tourists and Israelis. The Committee to Reduce the Cost of Vacations, whose conclusions will be published at the end of this month, are also of the opinion that an increase in the hotel room supply is urgently required.”

According to data published today by the Central Bureau of Statistics, 296,000 visitors arrived in Israel during July 2012, a new record for the month of July and an increase of 8% on July 2011 (274,000 visitors); and an increase of 6% on July 2010. 241,000 of these entries were tourists, an increase of 2% on July 2011 and 1% on July 2010. The average tourist spends US$1320 during his stay in Israel.

55,000 entries were day visitors, 47% more than July 2011. A significant increase in cruise visitors was registered in July 2012 – 16,000 or 2.5 times more than in July 2011. The day visitor spends, on average, $160 during his time in the country. The other entries were via the land crossings – 23,000, 6% more than in July 2011 and by plane – 16,000 entries and a 74% increase on the same period last year.

During the first half of 2012, 2 million visitors arrived in Israel, an increase of 7% on the same period in 2011 and 5% more than 2010 – another record for incoming tourism. Of these entries, 1.7 million were tourists, 3% more than the same period last year and 7% more than 2010.

Of these tourists, 69,628 came from the United States, 9% more than in July 2011. The second largest source country was Russia with 29,886 tourists, 3% more than last year, followed by the UK with 14,000, 5% more than June 2011.

Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov: “Given the constant increase in demand, there is an urgent need for more hotel rooms that will increase competition in the industry and lead to a decrease in the cost of accommodation for both tourists and Israelis. The Committee to Reduce the Cost of Vacations, whose conclusions will be published at the end of this month, is also of the opinion that an increase in the hotel room supply is urgently required.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)