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Happily, the global financial crisis has not had the negative impact on tourism that was feared. Minister of Tourism Ruhama Avraham-Belila said in a press conference a couple of weeks ago that 2008 had a record-breaking number of incoming tourists: 3 million, which is 30% more than last year and 13% more than the previous record high, which was the year 2000. Figures at her disposal were through the end of November 2008 - December is not yet known.
Twenty percent of the incoming tourism was from the USA, with Russia in second place with 370,000 visitors, double the previous number due to cancellation of the need for visas between the two countries.
While 25% of this year's tourists were Jewish, 66% were Christians. The remainder were either of other religions or with no (declared) religious affiliation.
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Foreign tourism generated 15 billion NIS for the economy, while domestic tourism generated 10 billion NIS. The indirect benefit to the Israeli economy is estimated at around 40 billion shekels, 15 billion of it directly. Eilat reaps some of this economic benefit, the hotels in particular.
Hotel occupancy was highest in Tel Aviv, averaging 75%. The Dead Sea came second at 70%, followed by Jerusalem and Eilat with 68% occupancy each. The northern part of the country had 60% occupancy.
The Ministry of Tourism is pleased by the figures and is calling on entrepreneurs to build additional hotels throughout the country. In the upcoming weeks the heads of the tourism industry will be called together to prepare for 2009.
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