32 percent rise in tourist groups in 2008

The Israel Incoming Tour Operators Association was established in 2009 among other things to promote the interests of Israel's incoming tour operators.  Following the record year for tourism in 2008, they met to discuss the significant fall in demand in 2009 caused by the world financial crisis and the military operation in Gaza.

The following members were chosen to the management; Lior  Gelfand , general manager of Ortra, Oni Amiel, President and CEO of Amiel Tours, Elhanan Dvir, President of Kenes Tours, Boaz Waksman, President of Ophir Tours, Shanan Kraus, Managing Director of Isram, Amnon Ben David, Managing Director of Eshet Incoming and Kurt Kaufman, general manager  of Genesis Tours. .

According to the organization’s data, the activity of their members valued $600 million in 2008.  During the year about 900,000 tourists arrived as groups an increase of 32 percent compared to 2007 and an increase of 20 percent in tourist nights.  According to the general manager of the organization Ami Etgar, the value of tourist groups continues to grow and this is the group that can best exploit the existing tourist infrastructure in Israel.  “The Israeli government has to understand that failure to invest in tourism, will cause the industry to suffer and for this to negatively affect the economy.”