According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 284,000 visitors entered Israel in August 2013, 5% less than August 2012, 5% more than in 2011 and 2% more than in 2010. Of these, 241,000 were tourists (staying more than one night), 3% less than August 2012, 7% more than in 2011 and 3% more than in 2010. The decrease in August 2013 can be attributed to the decrease in day visitors crossing from Sinai into Israel because of the instability in Egypt (a drop of 82%) and a decrease in air travel by tourists of 4%.

212,000 entries were by air (higher than August 2011 and 2010). 29,000 arrived through the border crossings, 8% more than August 2012; 22,000 came through the border with Jordan and about 7,000 through Taba to Eilat (30% more than last August).

44,000 entries were recorded by day visitors, 13% less than August 2012.Of these, 16 000 arrived on cruise ships (36% more than last August). 4, 400 day visitors arrived via the land crossings (82% decrease on August 2012) and about 23,000 by air (60% more than last August).

Tourism Minister Dr. Uzi Landau adds “Since the beginning of the year, we have witnessed record numbers of incoming tourists. Israel remains a safe destination for tourists from around the world and for domestic tourism. The Tourism Ministry will continue to work with all its power to strengthen – in the current period and beyond.”

January-August 2013

Since the beginning of 2013 through August, about 2.3 million visitors arrived in Israel, 0.3% more than the same period in 2012, 7% more than 2011 and 6% more than 2010. Of these entries, 1.9 million were tourists, 1% less than 2012, 3% more than 2011 and 6% more than 2010. 1.7 million entries were recorded by air, a slight decrease of 0.2% compared to the same period in 2012.

About 400,000 entries were day visitors, 7% more than the same period last year. Of these entries, about 155,000 came on cruise ships, 28% more than in 2012. 153,000 came via the border crossings (18% less than 2012) and 93,000 by air (40% increase).

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)