Iran's Ahmadinejad. Coming for a visit?
Photo: Reuters
Iranian, Iraqi tourists visit Israel too
First half of 2008 sees 59% rise in tourist entries from various Asian countries having no diplomatic ties with Israel. Tourists from Iraq, Iran, Persian Gulf Emirates visit on business, for medical treatment, etc
Have the economic crisis in the United States and the rise in gasoline prices affected American tourists’ trips abroad? Yes, but not entirely.
According to statistics provided by the US, there is in fact a decline in the number of Americans’ trips abroad. However, data collected by the Tourism Ministry and the Central Bureau of Statistics revealed that Americans are still going on vacation but instead of visiting Europe they are coming to Israel.
Specialized Tourism
Michal Crystal
As standard of living rises, growing number of Israelis travelling abroad affects all sector. In light of demand, more and more travel agencies launch departments focusing on special vacations for Arabs, Ultra-Orthodox and Russians. Surprising? Perhaps, but it appears to be working
Data received on Wednesday from the Tourism Ministry revealed that in the first half of 2008, a 24% increase was seen in the number of tourists that arrived in Israel from the US. To be exact, 331,384 people.
On the other hand, the 24% rise is only half the average increase of tourist entries into Israel, which since the beginning of the year has been 45%. In the first half of the year, 1,461,629 tourist entries into Israel have been recorded.
In second place for tourist entries into Israel in the first half of 2008 are Russians with 149,298 visitors. This is an increase of 133% in relation to the first half of 2007.
French tourists are in third place with 115,948 entries. A clear deceleration was seen with the French with a 16% rise as opposed to last year when only French could be heard on the beaches from Netanya to Ashdod.
An interesting statistic exists regarding tourism from Asian countries having no relations with Israel or even considered enemy countries like Iran and Iraq.
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, the first half of 2008 saw a 59% increase in incoming tourism from different Asian countries.
Seventy-one people arrived from Iran, 67 from Tunisia, five from Syria, five from Iraq and two from Afghanistan.
Some of these unlikely visitors arrived on business while others for medical treatment, etc.
