Nearly 300,000 tourists visiting Israel this May broke an all-time record, reports the Tourism Ministry. This number was 5 percent higher than the record May 2000 season, and the projected total amount of tourism for 2008 is almost three million visitors to Israel.
Tourism Ministry Director-General Mr. Shaul Tzemach commented that the rise could have long-reaching positive effects: “With the continuing growth pattern, this contribution will be felt in all aspects of the tourism industry throughout Israel." The Tourism Ministry has set a goal of five million annual visitors by 2012.