Israel’s incoming tourism rises by 44% in January - April 2010

More than one million Israelis made overseas trips in January-April, 10% more than during the corresponding period of last year
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) announced last week that 1.08 million visitors entered Israel between January and April 2010. The number, according to the CBS,  represents some 44% increase compared to the corresponding period of 2009.
 
This figure was also 13% more than the previous record of 938,000 for the corresponding months of 2008.
 
It should, however, be noted January 2009's incoming tourism was affected by Operation Cast Lead.
 
Seasonally adjusted figures show a monthly average of 224,000 tourist entries in February-April (an annualized rate of 2.7 million tourists), up from a monthly average in November - January (an annualized rate of 2.5 million tourists).
 
At the same time, more than one million Israelis made overseas trips in January-April, 10% more than during the corresponding period of last year, but 2% fewer than during the corresponding months of 2008.