Tourism from Russia is up and Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov proclaimed Monday that Russia "will remain at the core of the ministry's marketing activities this year."
About 45,500 visitors arrived from Russia in January, 12% more than January 2010. In February, the trend continued among tourists staying more than one night in Israel. Their number increased 20%, to 18,000. Visits by tourists staying just one day in Israel virtually ceased during February because of the events in Egypt, with just 1,000 arriving – a decrease of 90%.
The ministry's Spring-Summer campaign, to be launched next week, is part of an overall NIS 27 million marketing campaign in Russia and Ukraine. The continued growth in tourism from Russia is generates an increase in new jobs and the improves Israel's image overseas, the ministry said.
In 2008, the visa requirement for tourists arriving from Russia was canceled, resulting in a significant increase in incoming tourism. Over 550,000 tourists visited Israel from Russia in 2010 (37% more than 2009 and 55% more than 2008). This placed Russia as the second-largest source country for incoming tourism after the USA - a spot previously occupied by France.
MITT, the most important tourism fair in Russia, will open Wednesday in Moscow. Over 85,000 people – most of them tourism industry professionals - are expected to attend the four-day fair, with its 3,000 exhibitors from 185 countries. Tourism Ministry representatives will hold meetings with leading tourism wholesalers and airline representatives with a view to increase incoming tourism to Israel.
Forty-three Israel tourism industry representatives from hotels, tour companies, airlines, tourism associations, diamond companies and medical centers will exhibit Israel’s tourism, vacation and leisure opportunities at the 513-square-meter Israel stand. The stand will feature performances by the Balbalu Street Theater Group enacting historical figures and events, and distribution of Ahava and Premier Dead Sea products.
The Israeli delegation will be headed by Tourism Ministry Senior Deputy Director-General Oren Drori.