A record number of tourists visited Israel during the month of September, according to figures released Monday by the Central Bureau of Statistics.
The figures show that 284,000 visitors arrived in Israel in September, an increase of 5 percent compared to September of 2010 (which saw 270,000) and an increase of 7 percent compared to September of 2008. This year’s figure is the highest of all time.
According to CBS figures, out of the total arrivals in September, 229,000 were tourists visiting Israel for an extended visit, up 11 percent compared with last September and an all-time record in the number of tourists for a September; 54,000 entries were for one-day visits, a decrease of 15 percent from last year, of which 21,400 were visits on cruise ships, down percent from September 2010.
From the beginning of 2011 to the end of September, 2.4 million visitors arrived in Israel, a figure similar to that of last year, which was a peak year for tourism to Israel. Out of these entries, 2.1 million were tourists, an increase of 4% over the same period last year. 350,000 visitors came for a one-day visit, 21 percent less than in 2010.
Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov said, “Despite regional and international events we were able to position Israel as a favorite target which is attractive to tourists and bring the number to a new high. In the coming months the Ministry of Tourism will continue its marketing activities around the world and will continue to improve Israel’s tourism product, thus enhancing the image of Israel in the world.”
Misezhnikov reminded that the Dead Sea is a finalist in the New7Wonders of Nature competition which will conclude next month.
“I call on all residents of Israel to vote for the Dead Sea and to encourage their relatives and friends around the world to vote as well, so we can help the Dead Sea win the honorable title,” he said. “Winning this competition will improve Israel’s tourism product and will bring thousands of additional tourists into the country. It will improve the economy and bring to a rise in employment in the Dead Sea and in Israel in general.”
