5779 ends with record number of tourists visiting Israel
The number of 4.6 million tourists visiting Israel has set an all-time record dwarfing the 3.9 million who came in 5778.
Yariv Levin
This represents an 18% increase.
Over the next three days, around 24,000 tourists will visit Israel for Rosh Hashana bolstering the number of 82,000 who have already who entered Israel so far this week.
Tourism revenue for the year about to end will be NIS22.4 billion [A$9.4 billion] up from NIS19 billion last year.
Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said: “This is the third consecutive record-breaking year for incoming tourism. These impressive increases are a direct result of the strenuous work and revolutionary changes made by the Ministry of Tourism, with an emphasis on expanding accommodation options in the country and reducing the cost of vacationing in Israel. This year, too, the tourism industry continues to establish itself as a significant contributor to both the economy and employment. I wish you all a Happy New Year and continued significant achievements in tourism!
Director-General of the Ministry of Tourism Amir Halevi added: “We are ending another Hebrew year of record-breaking tourism to Israel. The Ministry of Tourism will continue to promote diverse tourism products and brands, in order to increase supply and continue the upward trend in incoming tourism. The momentum in the tourism industry creates opportunities and we are happy with the trend of increasing numbers of entrepreneurs who see tourism as an economic growth engine and invest in Israel. Happy new year to all.”
