US tourists flocked to Israel in record-breaking numbers last month

Newly released figures from Israel seem to suggest that last month’s papal visit was indeed a boon to the country’s tourism industry.

A record-breaking 32% more Americans arrived in Israel in May 2014 than in May 2013, Haim Gutin, Consul and Israel Tourism Commissioner, North and South America, has said. Overall, American tourists to Israel is up 14% for the five-month period, January-May.

“Tourism numbers proof positive that promotional efforts succeeding,” Gutin said.

Israel Tourism officials claim “2013 was the best year ever for tourism to Israel, with close to 4 million visitors. Worldwide tourism to Israel was up 17% in May 2014 over May 2013.”

“Frankly, an increase of 32% is staggering–it’s the largest monthly increase in US tourism to Israel that I can recall,” said Gutin.

The Israeli official added: “What it means is that Israel is experiencing a phenomenal increase in general market tourism from the United States. An increase of these proportions is proof positive that the Ministry of Tourism’s US promotional efforts in terms of public relations, marketing, social media and advertising are succeeding.”