In the first quarter of 2010, tourism was up 54% from 2009

March 2010 brought 313,000 tourists, the highest figure ever posted for that month, and 56% more than the figure for March 2009
 
The Ministry of Tourism reported last week that incoming tourism to Israel has gone up by 54% this year compared with the same months of 2009. March 2010 brought 313,000 tourists, the highest figure ever posted for that month, and 56% more than the figure for March 2009. the Ministry noted that the number of tourists was17% more than March 2008, and 9% more than the previous record in March 2000.
 
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 216,000 tourists arrived by air, 42% more than in March 2009, and 15% more than March 2008. Of these tourists 9,100 arrived on direct flights to Eilat, an increase of 42% over March 2009.
 
14,300 tourists visited Israel on cruise ships last month.  Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov says that based on the figures, he's going to demand that his ministry's budget be tripled. Misezhnikov added that "Every additional 10,000 tourists creates 4000 new jobs and generates income of NIS 450 million”.