The Birthright Israel program, which provides free trips to Israel for young Jews across the world, has contributed some $1.1 billion to the economy of the State of Israel, in the 15 years since it begun in 2000 until 2015, according to a recent study conducted by the firm Ernst & Young.

The figures show that the gross contribution was made both directly and indirectly. The direct contribution of Birthright Israel to the country’s economy, which consists of paying for hotels, tourism suppliers, flights and educational activities, amounts to $840 million.

The indirect contribution, consisting of participants’ expenses such as food, beverages, souvenirs, trip extensions and returning trips, amounts to $325 million.

Ernst & Young’s report also stated that Birthright Israel participants make up 12% of the total number of tourists visiting Israel from June to August and December to January. The document also states that while the Israeli tourism sector is often affected by the security situation, Birthright participants growth remains steady, highlighting that most Birthright groups arrive in off season of Israel tourism and therefore balance supply and demand.

In addition, Birthright Israel participants were found to be significant drivers of small businesses in Israel, with 47% of Birthright overnights taking place in peripheral areas in Israel, in locally owned accommodations, compared to only 28% of overnights for the overall incoming tourism.

“This new report validates the success of our program and reinforces one of our main goals: to have participants return to Israel and foster relationships with its people throughout their lifetime,” Birthright Israel CEO Gidi Mark said.

Mark added he predicts that Birthright will “have an even greater impact on Israel in the near future as participants decide to work at Israeli companies or start businesses of their own in Israel.”

The data from the study also projects an additional gross contribution from Birthright to the Israeli economy until 2020 estimated at $770 million.

Since its founding in 2000, Birthright Israel has provided free trips to more than 500,000 Jewish young adults aged 18-26 with the goal of “strengthening Jewish identity, facilitating cultural understanding and fostering solidarity with Israel and its people”.