A record 1.7 million people visited Israel in the first half of 2012, 6% more than in the first half of 2011, the Ministry of Tourism reported today. Tourist entries totaled 1.4 million in the first half, 6% more than in the corresponding half of 2011 and 8% than in the corresponding half of 2010.
A record 285,000 visitors entered Israel in June, 9% more than in June 2011, and 10% more than in June 2010. The figure includes 242,000 tourists, 6% more than more than in June 2011, and 13% more than in June 2010.
210,000 visitor entries in June were by air, 4% more than in June 2011; 32,000 visitor entries were by land, 19% more than in June 2011; and 43,000 were day visitors, 28% more than in June 2011. Day visitors in June included 18,000 by land, 14,000 by air, and 11,000 by sea.
Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov said, “Despite the economic recession, the complicated and ongoing geopolitical situation and the high expense of the Israel vacation package, we are registering impressive achievements in incoming tourism. I believe that implementing the conclusions of the Bar Nir Committee to reduce the cost of vacations in Israel, which we will publicize soon, will significantly increase incoming tourism and will make a vacation to Israel accessible to many more."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 9, 2012
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