1.9 million tourists entered Israel in January-July 2011, 4% more than in the corresponding months of 2010, the Ministry of Tourism reports. 274,000 tourists entered in July, 2% fewer than in July last year.
The number of day-tourists in January-July fell 25% to 251,000, due to the slump in tourism to Egypt this year. This figure also includes 102,000 visits by cruise ship passengers, 42% more than in the corresponding months of last year.
Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov noted that tourist revenue totaled NIS 8 billion in January-July, and domestic and foreign tourist revenue was NIS 15 billion, and that the tourism industry directly and indirectly employs 160,000 people.
24% of the tourists were Jews and 68% were Christians. The average stay was 11 nights, and the average spending per tourist was $1,100, a relatively low figure due to the high proportion of pilgrims. 43% of the tourists were make repeat visits. 77% of the tourists visited Jerusalem, 56% visited Tel Aviv, 51% visited the Dead Sea, 35% visited Tiberias, and 33% visited Nazareth.
The tourist industry is worried about effects of the political situation in September on tourism through the end of the year.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on August 10, 2011
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