Tourism Ministry officials report that the 24,100 visitors to Israel from Russia in March represents a welcome increase, reporting the number is only 1% less than in March 2008.
Ministry officials report that the ongoing campaign over recent months and the NIS 25 million invested in promoting Israel among Russians, showing the beauty of many tourists’ sites across Israel, appears to be paying off.

The hotel industry on the other hand shows a different number, reporting a 32% decline in hotel stays in March as compared to March 2008.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)