Over 4 Million Tourists Spent Nearly $6 Billion in Israel in 2018

More than 4 million tourists visited Israel in 2018 spending an estimated sum of NIS 20.88 billion (approximately $5.8 Billion) excluding flight costs, according to a survey published Sunday by the Israel Ministry of Tourism.

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According to the 15,000 tourists survey, Jerusalem was the location most frequented by visitors, attracting 77.5% of all tourists in the country, followed by Tel Aviv with 67.4%, the Dead Sea with 48% and Tiberias with 36.2%. Of the tourists, 24.1% were over the age of 55, 19.4% were between 45 and 54, 35.8% were between the ages of 25 and 44, and 20.7% were aged 24 and under, the survey showed. The majority of visitors (54.9%) were Christian, 27.5% were Jewish, and about 2.4% were Muslim. Of those surveyed, 24.3% stated the purpose of their stay in Israel was a pilgrimage, 21.3% said they came for sightseeing, 30% were visiting friends and family, and 8.9% were there on business.

In the first half of 2019, 2.265 million tourists entered Israel, compared with 2.063 million tourists for the same period last year, according to a statement released by the ministry.