2012 sets new all-time high for tourism to Israel

A new all-time high for tourism to Israel was set in 2012 with the arrival of 3.5 million travellers, a 5% increase compared to 2011. Approximately 2.5 million travellers arrived in Israel by air, and 404,000 by land, a 6% increase compared to 2011. Also, 2012 set a new record for cruise tourism to Israel with the arrival of 251,000 travellers, a 6% increase compared to 2011. “We are thrilled to have seen a steady increase in tourism to Israel over the last few years,”said Haim Gutin, Israel Commissioner for Tourism, North and South America, “and we hope to carry this momentum through 2013 and continue to strengthen Israel’s image as one of the world’s most dynamic and unique travel destinations.”The Israel Ministry of Tourism hopes to reach a goal of five million travellers arriving in Israel by 2015. (http://www.goisrael.com)