Ministry of Tourism: tourist arrivals in H1 on pace for record year

Over 260,000 tourists visited Israel in July - an increase of 22% over July 2007, and a 75%increase over July 2006
 
The Ministry of Tourism reported last week that 1.7 million tourists visited Israel since the beginning of 2008, during the period January – July and added that Israel's tourism industry is on pace to reach a record 2.8 million tourists this year.
 
Over 260,000 tourists visited Israel in July - an increase of 22% over July 2007, and a 75% increase over July 2006.
 
In a press release the Ministry said that the figure for the whole of 2008 represents an increase of 41% over the same period last year, when one million tourists visited the country.
 
Israel Hotel Association reported last month that the number of tourist overnights at hotels was 32% higher in the first half of 2008, compared with the first half of 2007. The Hotel Association noted that a regular tourist contributes $1,550 to the economy, while a day tourist contributes $150.
 
The average nationwide room occupancy rate was 65% in the first half, 13% higher than last year. Tel Aviv had the highest room occupancy rate at 77%, followed by Jerusalem at 74%, and Eilat at 60%.