Tourism Ministry : 710,000 tourists visited Israel in the first five months

According to figures published by the Central Bureau of Statistics ( CBS ) and the Tourism Ministry, almost 710,000 tourists visited Israel in the first five months of the year. The total points out to an increase of 27% compared to the parallel period last year.
 
The CBS noted that some 172,000 tourists arrived in May, a 45% increase compared to May 2004 and twice the May tourism level from 2002 and 2003.
 
The Tourism Ministry pointed out, however, that the increase can be attributed to the intifada's effect on tourism.
 
The May 2005 figures are very similar to those of May 1996 and May 1998, both years were considered by the industry as being extremely good years for the local tourist market. Most foreign tourists, some 708,000, flew in and a further 1,900 arrived as passengers on cruise ships.
 
Cruise ships have lately been stopping in Israel after a three-years period during which only few Cruise ships called israeli ports.
 
The Tourism Ministry pointed out last week that China had decided to classifies Israel as a "recognized tourist destination," something China had not done until now due to security concerns.
 
The decision means that Chinese travel agents will organize and market group tourism to Israel.
 
According to the ministry theintifadastopped many chinease from travelling to Israel.Only 3,000 Chinese tourists visited Israel last year, however, in 2000, the peak year for visitors, some 12,000 Chinese tourists visited Israel.