A record-breaking 1.74 million tourists entered Israel in the first half of 2017, 26% more than in the first half of 2016, according to data released by the Tourism Ministry on Sunday. The ministry's data showed that tourism from China was up by 76% in the first six months of 2017 from the same period last year. Tourism from Russia was up 30%, and tourism from the U.S. increased by 20%. "Our data for June indicates a record, consecutive six-month increase in the number of tourists entering Israel," Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said. "Our policy continues to prove itself and we see that with proper marketing we can bring Israel to new heights. We are pursuing marketing campaigns and taking innovative steps to promote the Israel brand, as well as bringing new airline companies and flights to Israel, all of which prove themselves month after month. The significant numerical increase contributes extraordinarily to the market, employment and economy of Israel." Meanwhile, from January to June 2017, 3.1 million departures abroad were recorded, a 14% increase from the same period in 2016. In June alone, 703,000 departures were recorded.
The figures show that tourism has added 9.4 billion shekels ($2.6 million) to the Israeli economy so far this year.
Israel sees record tourism in first half of 2017, ministry says
"Our policy continues to prove itself and bear fruit," Tourism Minister Yariv Levin says, citing successful marketing policy as reason for increase • Tourism adds 9.4 billion shekels to economy • Whopping 76% more Chinese tourists in 2017 than in 2016.
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