Israel welcomed 4% more Canadians this July

The number of Canadian arrivals to Israel this July were up four per cent, or 8,600 from July 2017, according to the latest statistics released by the Israel tourism board.

Ellen Melman, director of operations marketing, travel industry, clergy & community liaison, Israel Ministry of Tourism, Canada, welcomed the news.

READ MORE: Israel Ministry of Tourism Canada is on the move

“Here in Canada, the growth in interest, resulting demand and tourist traffic to Israel has spiralled upwards year after year breaking all statistical recorded month to month over the past 10 years. Canadians are realizing that Israel is a safe, modern world-class destination, and Israel offers the value proposition for Canadian traveller dollars spent on both airfare and land portion. The FIT leisure market continues to grow, with Canadian tourists seeking out new experiential niches including culture and events, design & lifestyle, adventure, culinary and wine, health and wellness, sports and athletic competitions, history and faith opportunities and many others. The traditional 'bread and butter' niche of group travel for Christian and Jewish pilgrimage continues to grow steadily, too.”

The numbers are up

From Jan. to July 2018, about 2.4 million tourist entries were recorded, an increase of 17.3 per cent on the same period in 2017 (about 2 million) and 46 per cent more than in 2016.

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, 293,400 tourist entries were recorded in July 2018, about eight per cent more than July 2017.

There was a 8.3 per cent increase in tourist entries in July 2018 as compared to 2017 and 26.6 per cent increase on July 2016.

By air 267,200 tourist entries were recorded, 8.8% more than July 2017 and 27.1% more than July 2016.

By land crossing 26,200 tourists were recorded, 3.1 per cent more than in July 2017 and 21.7 per cent more than in 2016.

Day visitors recorded 22,700 in July, 3.2% more than July 2017 and 136.5 per cent more than in 2016.