Israel's tourism ministry said Sunday it expects the papal visit this week (May 25-26) to give a sharp boost to tourism by Christians, who already account for most of the market.
In a statement issued by the Ministry it noted "As a result of the visit to the Holy Land by Pope Francis, who is such a popular figure and significant leader for the world's 1.2 billion Catholics, the ministry estimates an increase of tens of thousands in the numbers of Christians visiting Israel."
The Ministry added "Christian tourism, which accounts for about 60 percent of all incoming tourism, is expected to increase by about 10% in 2014,". It added that 2013 was a record year for tourism to Israel, with 3.54 million entries logged. In 2013, Christians represented more than half (53%) of all incoming tourists (those staying more than one night), 96% of day visitors and 78% of cruise visitors.
Jews made up 22% of the visitors, in total, over two million Christians visited Israel in 2013, about 60% of the 3.54 million total visitors.
