According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 393,000 visitors entered Israel in October 2013, 0.5% more than October 2012, and higher than every October except for October 2010 (3% less). Of these visitor entries, 339,000 were tourists (staying more than one night), 14% more than October 2012, 4% more than October 2010 and an all-time record for the month.

October saw a reduction of 76% in the number of day visitors from Sinai into Israel from last October (because of the instability in Egypt). There was however an improvement in the number of day visitors as compared to August-September 2013, with a 90% decrease. October 2013 did not include the yomim tovim, so an increase in incoming tourism would be expected.

297,000 entries were by air, 17% more than October 2012, of which 10,000 arrived on direct flights to Eilat . 42,000 came through the border crossings, 6% less than October 2012; 36,000 came through the border with Jordan (10% increase) and about 6,100 through Taba to Eilat (50% less than last October).

54,000 entries were recorded by day visitors, 42% less than October 2012. Of these, 36,000 arrived on cruise ships (32% less than last October). 8,000 day visitors arrived via the land crossings (76% decrease on October 2012) and about 10,000 by air (50% more than last October).

September – October 2013

648,000 visitors arrived in Israel during the holiday months, 7% less than the same period last year. But the decrease can be attributed to the decrease in day visitors (about 40%).Of these, about 551,000 were tourists, 3% more than the same period last year – an all-time record .

January-October 2013

Since the beginning of 2013 through October, more than 3 million visitors arrived in Israel, 1% less than the same period in 2012, 6% more than 2011 and 3% more than 2010. Of these entries, 2.5 million were tourists, similar to the same period in 2012, 5% more than 2011 and 2010. 2.1 million entries were recorded by air, 1% more than the same period in 2012.

About 498,000 entries were day visitors, 7% less than the same period last year. Of these entries, about 213,000 came on cruise ships, 3% more than in 2012. 163,000 came via the border crossings (33% less than 2012) and 121,000 by air (42% increase).

Minister of Tourism Dr. Uzi Landau stated “Tourists continue to vote with their feet. Unlike with many other tourism destinations, tourists come to Israel and find sun for most of the year. This, in addition to the cultural and historic variety on offer. The Tourism Ministry will continue to market Israel overseas with the goal of realizing the potential.”

Tourism Minister Director-General Amir Halevi added “After a period of tension in the region, tourism is back on the rise. The quiet security situation and the marketing efforts are proving themselves. Israel is an amazing tourist product with the potential to be a tourism powerhouse.”

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)