According to the Tourism Ministry, Israel probably will meet the target of 2.8 million tourists in 2008.  From January through September there have been some 2.3 million tourists, which is 38% more than last year during the same period.   Barring the unexpected, Tourism Ministry officials estimate the last three months of the year will bring in 500,000 at the very least, perhaps even more.  The Jewish holidays in October and possibly the Christian ones in December are expected to contribute greatly to the final figures.

Hotel Association figures are also encouraging:  Tourist stays in that same 9-month period came to 7.6 million, 25% more than in the same period last year.  September's stays (763,000 tourists) were 49% higher than September 2007.  This figure is significant to the Hotel Association's general director, Shmuel Tzurel, because it occurred in spite of the fact that the world was already in the midst of the financial crisis. 

The tourism industry’s contribution to Israel’s economy during such a problematic period is highly significant, according to Tzurel, and with proper handling and marketing resources, tourism can continue to bolster the national economy during 2009, “which is expected to be a challenging economic year.” 

The Tourism Ministry is pleased and proud of its results regarding tourism to Eilat for this winter season.  As many as 18 direct flights a week from European and East European countries are expected during the winter season here, compared to only 5 flights a week last year.  This translates to some 2,100 seats a week more, or an additional 80,000 tourists during the winter season.  The Minister has put Eilat high on her list of priorities in view of the vast investments and development happening on Jordan’s half of the bay, and the Ministry gives any company operating direct charters to Eilat a safety net and marketing agreements.