2011 was another stonkingly good year for tourism to Israel, with the year ending as the second highest ever! 3.4 million tourists visited Israel in 2011, which is darned impressive considering the economic downturn throughout the world…
Those numbers may seem a little disappointing following the record year that was 2010, but you also have to take into account the Middle East’s turmoil throughout the year, which undoubtedly had an influence on numbers. A 2% drop over 2010 is a mightily small drop, all things considered.
And there were areas of tourism that had big improvements, such as those visiting the Holy Land on cruise ships (up 41%), a segment that expects to grow rapidly over the coming years.
Despite the small drop, revenues from tourism actually broke new records, with some 35 billion shekels generated. With some 100,000 employed directly within the tourism industry (7.5% of the workforce) the tourism industry is obviously a significant national resource.
Minister of Tourism, Stas Misezhnikov, is as ever optimistic and had this to say:
2012 opened with vigorous and intensive activities by the Ministry of Tourism to reach the full potential of tourism to Israel, starting with accommodation to suit all budgets and marketing aimed at maintaining and strengthening Israel’s image as an attractive tourism destination. This will allow for the opportunity to reach our goal for the year 2012 – 4 million visitors, resulting in an increase in economic revenue and employment in the tourism industry.