December 2013 saw a record number of tourists in Israel despite the snow storm that swept through the country and disrupted flight schedules.
272,000 people entered th country over the month, marking a 14 percent increase from the same period in 2012, and a 3% and 1% increase from December 2011 and 2010, respectively, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics figures.
It also reported that tourist entries rose 0.5% to 3.53 million in 2013 from 3.52 million in 2012. Tourist entries by air rose 4% to 2.58 million in 2013 from 2.48 million in 2012, although entries by direct flights to Eilat fell to 58,500 from 59,500.
Most tourists came from the United States, Russia, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
Tourism’s contribution to Israel’s economy was reported to be some 40 billion shekels ($11.42 billion or 8 billion euros).
The city most visited by incoming tourists was said to be Jerusalem, with 75% of tourists passing through it during their trips to Israel. The most visited site was the Western Wall, with 68% of tourists stopping there.
The majority of tourists visiting Israel in 2013 were Christian, 53%, half of those Catholic. Twenty-eight percent were Jewish.
Tourists, reported a satisfaction rate at a level of 4.3 out of 5, coupled with an improvement in the attitude of the Israeli general public toward tourists.
Tourists were also said to be eschewing hotels for alternative accommodation, such as youth hostels.
Israeli Tourism Minister Uzi Landau warmly welcomed the figures, saying "the year 2013 is a record year for tourism and we are proud of that. Despite Operation Pillar of Defense and the security situation in the region, tourists voted with their feet."
He was referring to Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza in late 2012.