Aggressive marketing in various countries and decline in militant activities have spurt growth in the Israel tourism industry and is strengthening the country’s economy.
The Central Bureau of Statistics said that the tourist arrivals in Israel during H1 2008 surged by 50% to 1.5 Million whereas only one million tourists came to the country during H1 2007, as reported by IsraelHasbaraCommittee.
In June 2008, the tourists visited the country surged 33% to 240,000 over the same month last year. The present growth rate of the industry is at par with Tourism Ministry’s target of 2.8 Million for 2008. Moreover, tourism arrival by air has moved up 28% (around one million passengers) since the starting of 2008, and the number of tourists coming by direct flights spurt 17% in the first half of 2008 against the corresponding period a year ago.
The impressive growth in the tourist arrivals in Israel is accredited to Tourism Ministry’s changed marketing strategies in which the country is being promoted as an interesting cultural country to relax rather than a religious homeland country. The promotional campaign includes aggressive marketing of spas and wineries that is translating into heavy inflow of tourists from Central and Eastern Europe.
Moreover, the improvement in security situation along with a significant drop in militant attacks and suicide bombings by Palestinians created confidence among tourists to visit Israel. Also, visitors coming in the country with various purposes - ranging from business purpose to medical treatment - boosted the overall tourism industry.
The current growth in the industry will be seen in coming months also as the Ministry continues to focus marketing activities on target countries. The Ministry is also going to participate in major tourism fairs going to be held in Berlin, London, Moscow, Madrid and the US to promote the Israel tourism industry.
According to a Research Analyst at RNCOS, “The booming Israel tourism industry is driving the country’s economy as it generates a substantial amount of foreign exchange in the country. Also, with growth, the employment opportunities have gone up, supporting the national economy.”
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