Despite Operation Pillar of Cloud and missiles falling from Gaza in November, which hit tourism to Israel at the end of the year, income from foreign tourism reached a record $5.1 billion in 2012, according to the Ministry of Tourism. The figure rose from $5 billion in 2011, $4.8 billion in 2010 and $4 billion in 2009.
The average amount spent by a tourist visiting Israel for less than 30 days in 2012 was $1,484 according to a sample survey of 25,000 families representing 41,000 individuals. The average tourist on an organized tour spent $1,549, on a package tour $1,500, and on an independent vacation $1,426.The average foreign tourist spends $153 per day, while those on land from a cruise spend $145.
56% of tourists to Israel are Christians, half of them Catholics and 19% Protestants, while 24% of tourists to Israel are Jews.
64% of tourists in 2012 said they came because of a recommendation by family or friends compared with 49% in 2011. 36% of tourists received information about Israel via the Internet compared with 27% in 2011.
74% of visitors to Israel in 2012 stayed in hotels, 16% with family and friends, 4% in youth hostels, 3% in a rented apartment, 2% in a Christian hospice, and 2% elsewhere. These figures were similar in 2011. The average visit by a tourist in 2012 lasted 8.2 days similar to 2011.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on July 24, 2013
© Copyright of Globes Publisher Itonut (1983) Ltd. 2013