Israel Shatters Tourism Record

Speaking in a press statement, Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov noted the importance of the record-setting year. “Breaking records for incoming tourism to Israel reflects the revolution that has been taking place in the Israeli tourism industry over the last year,” said Misezhnikov. “This revolution is making huge contributions to the Israeli economy by creating new jobs, increasing revenue, and improving Israel’s image around the world as an attractive tourism destination.”

The Tourism Ministry estimated in November that incoming tourism from January through August of 2010 alone contributed about US $2.3 billion to the economy, not counting travel taxes. They also said that for every 100,000 additional tourists, about 4,000 new jobs are created.

Pini Shani, director of the Overseas Department in the Marketing Administration of the Tourism Ministry, told Bridges for Peace that more than 60% of the tourists visiting Israel are Christians, noting that “they are very important, strong friends of the State of Israel, and we are very proud to host them in Israel and to show them the Land of the Bible.” Fittingly, the tourist who set the new 2010 record was a pastor with a group of Christian pilgrims.