There were 7% fewer tourists in August 2011 than the year before
The Association said that the cities of Tel Aviv (-6%), Jerusalem (-9%), and 18% in Eilat (-18%) did poorly, as opposed to Tiberias (+19%), Netanya (+17%), and the Dead Sea (+1%).Ami Federmann, President of the Hotel Association of Israel believes that the drop in visits had a geo-political cause. Mr. Federman stated, "The figures show a slowdown in incoming tourism, mainly because of geopolitical events...However, the number of hotel overnights and occupancy rates in January-August were similar to those in the corresponding months of last year. Given the geopolitical and economic situation, this should be considered an achievement that demonstrates the strength of the tourist industry."Ami Federmann, President of the Hotel Association of Israel believes that the drop in visits had a geo-political cause. Mr. Federman stated, "The figures show a slowdown in incoming tourism, mainly because of geopolitical events...However, the number of hotel overnights and occupancy rates in January-August were similar to those in the corresponding months of last year. Given the geopolitical and economic situation, this should be considered an achievement that demonstrates the strength of the tourist industry."
