Israel on a roll in Canada

Canadian visitors to Israel hit an “all-time high” in April of this year, rising to 6,820 for the month and representing an increase of 40% from the previous month in 2011. But it doesn’t stop there. During the first quarter of 2012, Canadian arrivals grew to 20,580 — another record — which reflects a 12% increase over the first quarter of 2011. Considering that 2011 ranked as the “best year ever” for travel to Israel, the 2012 numbers are certainly providing reasons for celebration at the offices of the Israel Government Tourist Office here in Canada. Oded Grofman, consul for tourism, Israel Government Tourist Office, pretty much capture the feeling, saying: “We are ecstatic about the remarkable increase in Canadian tourism to Israel thus far in 2012.” And he continued: “We are grateful to see a large percentage of Canadian travellers choosing to visit Israel’s unique historical sites and modern attractions, and hope to see this momentum carry on through the summer and make 2012 the best year ever for travel to Israel.” As for the international results, Israel welcomed 296,000 visitors last month — a 13% gain compared to April 2011. Check out http://www.goisrael.ca for more.