Israel welcomed 3.01 million tourist entries in 2023, an increase of 12.5% over 2022, when 2.67 million visitors were recorded. That sounds like a positive, but less so when you consider that 3.9 million were expected.
Following the onset of war, the number of tourist entries to Israel plunged, with just 180,000 arriving in the last quarter of 2023, compared to an expectation of about 900,000.
From January to the outbreak of war, Israel saw a 10% increase in incoming tourism from the U.S., compared to the same period in the record year of 2019. The United States is Israel’s largest source market.
PHOTO: Spices at Market in Israel. (Photo by Lauren Breedlove)
The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) reports that 36% came for the purposes of touring and sightseeing, 20% came for pilgrimage and 30% came as part of an organized tour. The average length of stay was 8.3 nights.
The 2023 figures were down approximately 34% compared to 2019, Israel’s record year for incoming tourism, when it welcomed 4.5 million visitors.
It was previously estimated, before the outbreak of war on October 7, that approximately 3.9 million tourists would visit Israel in 2023. IMOT says the anticipated recovery following the corona crisis would have been very close to the record figures of 2019 were it not for the decrease in the 2023 number of tourist arrivals from China, Russia and Ukraine due to external reasons (the Russia- Ukraine war and restrictions on outgoing tourism from China).
The sprawling Roman ruins at Israel's Bet She’an National Park. (Photo Credit: Bruce Parkinson)
According to Tourism Minister Haim Katz, Israel is getting ready for better days ahead.
“We are preparing the necessary infrastructure that will enable us to operate swiftly and efficiently on the day after, in order to help jumpstart the economy and to offer the country additional resources for rehabilitation and growth.
Katz says indications from the field are encouraging. “While some tourists postponed their vacations because of the war, many did not cancel their reservations and are waiting for the right time to travel. Israel has much to offer as a tourism destination and we are looking forward to once again welcoming tourists to our country.”
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