Based on data provided by the Central Statistical Office, about 130,000 tourists visited Israel in January 2009 – a reduction of 30% compared to January 2008, but an increase of 12% on January 2007. For the first time since 2007 a sharp monthly fall was recorded in incoming daily tourism
The Gaza conflict, the global economic crisis and the decline in tourism, resulted in a 30% fall in the number of tourists visiting Israel in January 2009. Nevertheless the arrival of thousands of pilgrims to Israel last month prevented an even greater decline. Also for the first time there was a 62% reduction in the number of one day tourists visiting Israel; probably as a result of the military operation in Gaza.
“There is no doubt that in 2009, whichever government is in control, it will have to provide an additional budget of at least 200 million shekels in marketing Israel to the World, in order to moderate the impact of the World economic downturn on incoming tourism” emphasized Minister of Tourism, Ruhama Avrham Balila.
According to Avrham Balila, the Ministry of Tourism succeeded in significantly reducing the damage caused to the image of Israel as a safe and secure country for tourism. Representatives of the Ministry both in Israel and overseas are currently working with the intention of reducing the effects of the global economic crisis on incoming tourism.
The Ministry said that during 2009 they intend to carry out a series of steps aimed at improving the tourist infrastructure, to ensure a significant increase in tourism to Israel once the economic situation in the World recovers.
