According to the Israeli Inbound Tourism Survey, which was published Tuesday, 328,000 people visited Israel for the first time in their lives during the first six months of 2005 - compared to 190,000 in the same period last year.
The number of those arriving in the country specifically for touring and sightseeing purposes has also more than doubled since 2004 – up to 156,000 from 75,000. Revenues from foreign tourism rose 23% during the period, to $1.1 billion.
"We are in the midst of an economic revolution," said Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson. "Tourism is one of the main engines of growth."
The survey consisted of interviews of 11,000 tourists, examining their expenses, length of stay, purpose of visit and choice of accommodations.
One factor contributing to increased tourism is the rise in Aliyah (immigration to Israel) from North America, which has brought with it frequent visits from family and friends of the new immigrants to the country.