July Tourism Numbers Break Records in Israel

Its not just the temperatures that are sizzling in Israel. Tourism is again at an all-time high with record-breaking numbers in July.

The Ministry of Tourism announced today that 280,000 tourists visited Israel in July 2010, setting an all-time record for the month of July and amassing an increase of 11 percent over July a year ago. In the first seven months of 2010, 1.9 million tourists visited Israel, an increase of 34 percent over the same period last year and 10 percent more than 2008, the previous record-setting year for tourism in Israel.

“The consistent growth in incoming tourism over recent months, alongside the increasing satisfaction tourists feel towards the service they receive in Israel, should not be taken for granted,” said Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov. 

He said that the massive upturn in tourism is due to Israel’s investment in marketing, public relations and infrastructure development. 

“The Israeli public already understands tourism’s contribution to the Israeli economy and creating new jobs, as well as Israel’s image around the world,” Misezhnikov said.

Christian tourists to the Holy Land comprised the largest group of visitors in July. Christians accounted for 58 percent of tourists compared to 34 percent Jewish tourists. More than half of the visitors were in Israel for a return visit and stayed for an average of 10 days. 

Tourists, according to a study published today that surveyed 25,000 tourists in 2009, feel like they are getting their money’s worth from their trip to Israel. The poll showed an overall improvement and high marks for sites and services from archaeology and restaurants to cleanliness and security, to name a few.

During July Jerusalem was the most visited city (74 percent of the tourists) followed by Tel Aviv (55 percent), the Dead Sea (45 percent), Tiberias (36 percent , Nazareth (29 percent) and Eilat (17 percent).

By Nicole Jansezian, Travelujah

Nicole Jansezian writes for Travelujah.com, the only Christian social network focused on travel to the Holy Land. Travelujah is a vibrant online community offering high quality Christian content, user and expert blogs, travel tours and planning services for people interested in connecting with or traveling to the Holy Land.