Nearly one million tourists enter Israel in first six months of 2005; 29 per cent rise in number …

Statistics released today by Israel’s Ministry of Tourism and Central Bureau of Statistics show tourist arrivals to the country jumped 29 per cent in June to 157,000. In the first six months of the year 864,200 tourists entered the country, 27 per cent more than in the same period last year. Two thousand people arrived aboard cruise ships in June 2005 compared to none in June 2004. „We are witnessing enormous momentum in tourism,” says Israeli Tourism Minister Avraham Hirchson. „The rise heralds a new era for the Israeli economy.” Director General Eli Cohen credits the ministry’s efforts to bring additional cruise companies to Israel’s shores for the rise in the number of tourists arriving by sea. The monthly report shows 159,000 visitors entered Israel in June, a 31 per cent rise over the same period last year. Out of 864,200 tourists arriving between January and June, 751,700 came by air (up 25%), with 33,500 flying directly to the southern resort of Eilat (a 30% rise). 110,700 arrived overland (up 48%). 3,800 tourists arrived by cruise ship, compared to none last year. Israel’s Ministry of Tourism anticipates that nearly two million tourists will visit the country by the end of 2005. BPI-info