According to data from the Central Bureau of Statistics , the number of international visitors to Israel in 2023 experienced a year-on-year growth of 12.52 percent, despite a significant decline starting from October due to the armed conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists.
The bureau reports that the number of tourists visiting Israel increased from 2.675 million in 2022 to approximately 3.01 million last year, suggesting a sustained recovery in tourism following the previous years’ impact of the coronavirus crisis.
(eTN):Foreign Tourists Are Coming Back to Israel | re-post license | post content
Nonetheless, the figure remained notably below the previous peak of 4.55 million in 2019. Subsequent to the eruption of the conflict on October 7, 2023, the influx of tourists to Israel plummeted from 304,100 in September to 89,700 in October, then further declined to 38,300 in November. However, there was a resurgence with 52,800 visitors in December.
The projected tourism earnings for the year 2023 amount to 17.7 billion ILS, with an average expenditure per visitor of 6,005 ILS (excluding airfare).
Tourist arrivals from the USA witnessed a 10% surge from January until the war began, as compared to the same period in the exceptional year of 2019. Out of these arrivals, 36% were sightseers and travelers (mostly tourists), 20% were on a pilgrimage, and 30% were part of an organized trip. On average, visitors stayed for 8.3 nights.
According to Israeli Minister of Tourism, Haim Katz, there was a remarkable increase in inbound tourism in 2023, particularly from the American market. The record-breaking number of tourists has prompted the government to focus on developing the necessary infrastructure to ensure efficient and swift operations. This is crucial to jumpstart the economy, provide additional resources for reconstruction and growth, and welcome tourists back to Israel. Despite the war causing some tourists to postpone their trips, many have not cancelled their reservations and are eagerly waiting for the right opportunity to visit.