January - April 2008: Tourism figures up 41%

Over 936,000 tourists have visited Israel since January 2008. the Tourism Ministry aspires to bring 2.8 million tourists a year to Israel
 
According to the Director-General of the Tourism Ministry, Shaul Tzemah, over 936,000 tourists have visited Israel since January 2008, a 41% rise compared to the same period of time in 2007.
 
Tzemah added that the current growth rate is congruent to the ministry’s goals, which aspires to bring 2.8 million tourists to Israel a year.
 
Tourism Ministry fears continued increase of tourism may result in shortage of 15,000 hotel rooms. Tourism Ministry warns market will suffer due to lack of accommodation solutions. At least 2,500 rooms must be built and budgets need to be increased for theconstruction of additional hotels. "The expected economic damage to the Tourism Ministry and to the market in general as a result of this shortage will be tens of millions of dollars a year,” Tzemah added.