Central Bureau of Statistics figures show that 309,000 tourists visited Israel in May, an all-time record for that month. The figure is 33% higher than May of 2009, and 4% higher than May 2008.
Since the beginning of the year, nearly 1.4 million tourists have visited Israel, an increase of 42% compared with the corresponding period of 2009, and 11% higher than the corresponding period of 2008.
1.1 million tourists stayed in Israel at least one night an increase of 30% on 2009 and 5% on 2008.
Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov said, "The increase in incoming tourism to Israel that has continued for the last six months, together with the interest of Israeli and international investors and entrepreneurs, obligates a significant investment in supply."
Misezhnikov said that a Tourism Ministry three year plan forecasts a total of 4 million tourists in 2012. "Competition with other countries in the region will intensify significantly in the coming months and years and, in order to compete, the ministry will allocate a significant portion of its budget to helping entrepreneurs."
The Tourism Ministry's Investment Administration approved grants worth NIS 65 million to five hotel projects. Two are in Jerusalem, the Waldorf Astoria and a boutique hotel in Ein Kerem, and three are in the Galilee - Hagoshrim Hotel, Ein Hahula, and Prima Tiberias. The total investment of those projects is around NIS 330 million.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on June 10, 2010
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