Tourism to Israel drops for 2nd year


January 27, 2016
Sarah Benton
Tags: ,

This posting has these items:
1) Ynet news: Hoteliers report 11% decline in stays in 2015;
2) Electronic Intifada: European tourists staying away from Israel in droves Ali Abuminah correctly points out it’s Europeans (not Americans) who are staying away;
3) i24 news Tourism in Israel down 3 percent in 2015, ministry says;
4) FCO: UK advice on travel to Israel and oPt. The UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office gives advice on travel to all countries. In the case of Israel the advice is basically – don’t unless you remain VERY VIGILANT. Rockets, IDF fire, Palestinian stabbings and, peculiar to Israel, theft of your passport by Mossad;
5) Notes, facts and figures on Israeli tourism.


North beach, Eilat.

Hoteliers report 11% decline in stays in 2015

The Israel Hotel Association published the statistics that show a significant drop in the number of nights tourists from abroad spent at Israeli hotels in the past year. Israeli tourist stays, however, have risen.

By Danny Sadeh, Ynet
January 27, 2016

Statistics published on Monday by the Israel Hotel Association (IHA) show that the crisis in the Israeli tourism industry is ongoing, and that the year 2015 ended with an 11 percent decline in foreign tourist stays compared to 2014, and a 16 percent decline compared to 2013, which was a peak year.

The figures show that the number of foreign tourist stays stood at just 8.2 million, with 13.5 million stays by Israelis (a rise of 4 percent compared to 2014). The overall calculation of stays in hotels shows a decline of two percent compared to 2014, and a four percent decline compared to 2013.

It should be mentioned that the number of hotel rooms in Israel increased by one percent in 2015, compared to 2014, and four percent when compared to 2013. The IHA statistics also do not take into account tourists stays that occur in places other than hotels (such as rented apartments, with family and friends, etc.).

Tourism industry leaders have called for Tourism Minister Yariv Levin to help businesses by using the Ministry’s budget to market well to foreign travelers, as well as work to convince Israeli companies to spend their organized company trips in Israel, rather than taking their employees on vacations abroad.



Tourists on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The city is the most-visited by tourists.

European tourists staying away from Israel in droves

By Ali Abunimah, Electronic Intifada
December 17, 2015

Its record of war crimes in Gaza makes Israel a tough sell as a carefree tourist destination. Mohammed Asad APA images

Israel’s tourism industry went into free fall as a result of its summer 2014 assault on Gaza, during which its army killed 2,200 Palestinians, including 551 children, and left much of the territory devastated.

The number of tourists was lower compared to the prior year’s figure in every month from July 2014. That was until July this year when the number of visitors finally clawed its way back almost to 2013 levels.

But the escalating violence in October and November, originally provoked by Israel’s unchecked assaults and incursions in occupied Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound, has set Israel back again.

Statistics released by the tourism ministry this month show that the number of visitors to Israel in November was down 5 percent compared with same month last year, and was 18 percent lower than in November 2013.

But the drop was much sharper in tourism from Europe: overall there were 10 percent fewer visitors from Europe in November than in the same month last year, and 30 percent fewer than in November 2013.

Israel’s Ynet news website attributes this to the “current wave of terror.”

Sustained decline

But a deeper look at the official statistics reveals that Israel is actually experiencing a dramatic and sustained decline in tourism from European countries, its most important markets, that cannot be attributed just to recent events.

In the 11 months from January to November 2013, 2.1 million European tourists visited Israel – accounting for about three quarters of all foreign visitors.

During the same period in 2014 – which included the attack on Gaza – 1.9 million Europeans came, or 9 percent fewer.

Yet far from recovering this year, the number of European visitors to Israel in the first 11 months of 2015 has dropped by another 8 percent.

In this period, visits from Italy have plummeted by almost 50 percent since 2013, including a 26 percent decline since 2014.

Compared with 2013, there have been declines of 32 percent from Finland, 21 percent from Norway, 14 percent from the Netherlands, 25 percent from Poland and 23 percent from both Germany and Austria.

France, Israel’s biggest European tourism market, has held more steady. About 277,000 French visitors showed up from January to November 2015, four percent fewer than in the same period in 2013.

Tourism from the UK, the second largest European market, is still down 10 percent from 2013, but rebounded 10 percent from last year.

Visits to Israel in the first 11 months of the year from the former Soviet Union, the bulk of them from Russia, are down by almost a quarter compared with 2013 and 17 percent compared with last year – a drop Ynet attributes to “the difficult economic situation” in those countries.

There were 16 percent fewer tourists from Australia and New Zealand in the same period compared with 2013.

The news from North America is slightly better for Israel. Visits from the US have actually grown by 3 percent since 2013, although 5 percent fewer Canadians have headed for Israel.

Tough sell

Israel is not likely to welcome a new travel warning to Americans from the US State Department, which cites “heightened tensions and security risks.”

The notice also warns US citizens of “Arab or Muslim origin” of official racism. Some, it acknowledges, “have experienced significant difficulties and unequal and hostile treatment at Israel’s borders and checkpoints.”

The Israeli tourism ministry acknowledges in its latest statement the “significant decrease in tourism” that began during the July 2014 attack on Gaza.

What the hard numbers show is that Israel’s intense efforts to market itself as a carefree destination for sun seekers cannot overcome the stench of the war crimes it has committed in Gaza and the consequences of its violent occupation, settler-colonialism and apartheid in the West Bank.

They also underscore the fundamental contradiction in Israel’s official propaganda – or hasbara – that Israel is a fantastic place to visit and at the same time the most vulnerable and victimized place on earth, beleagured and beset by dangerous internal and external enemies.

It’s a tough case to make that Europeans seeking relaxation, sunshine, good food and culture should head to Israel instead of, say, to Spain, whose tourism arrivals are breaking all records.

Initiatives like politician Yair Lapid’s comical effort to turn Israelis heading abroad into ambassadors for the country are not likely to help.  xxx



Tourism in Israel down 3 percent in 2015, ministry says

By i24news
January 02, 2016

The majority of tourists visiting Israel were American, comprising around 20 percent of all visitors.

The number of visitors to Israel dropped 3 percent in 2015, with a total of 3.1 million tourists visiting the country last year, according to year-end figures published by Israel’s tourism ministry on Wednesday.

The number of those arriving for vacation, or stays longer than one day, totalled 2.8 million in 2015, a 4 percent decrease from the previous year.

One-day-only visits increased by 32 percent, primarily due to business visitor’s fears of extending their stays in the country, Israel’s Ynet News reports.

There was also a significant drop in tourists arriving to Israel through land-crossings, some 292,000 visitors in 2015, down 27 percent.

Approximately 2.5 million visitors arrived to Israel by air, a 1 percent drop from 2014.

The majority of tourists visiting Israel were American, comprising around 20 percent of all visitors.

Russian tourism saw a 26 percent drop from the previous year, making up around 14 percent of 2015 all visitors. The drop is attributed to a strained economy and decline in exchange rates, making Israel a less attractive destination for Russian tourists, Ynet says.

French tourists were the third largest group of visitors to Israel in 2015, with 277,000 total entries or 10 percent of all visitors, with no change from the previous year.

German and British visitors each comprised six percent of all entries to Israel, both with approximately 185,000 visitors.



Ignore the blandishments. Don’t go to Nablus advises FCO. Pretty picture taken for TripAdviser.

UK advice on travel to Israel and oPt

Summary

Still current at: 27 January 2016

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

Gaza
the Sheba’a Farms and Ghajjar and within 500m of the border with Lebanon (the ‘Blue Line’) east of Metula, including the northern edge of the town
east of Route 98 along the Syrian border
The security situation in Israel and the OPTs is fast moving, tense and unpredictable. You should keep up to date with local media and travel reports.

Due to frequent security incidents you should be vigilant and take extra care when travelling to Hebron and the surrounding area. You should be particularly cautious around checkpoints and avoid travelling to the closed military zone within Hebron. Follow the advice and instructions of the security forces.

There have been a number of violent incidents including attacks on vehicles, shootings and stabbings on Route 60 within the West Bank (the main road connecting Jerusalem with Nablus and Hebron). If travelling along this route be vigilant and follow advice of security forces.

There have been a number of serious incidents along Route 443 (between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem), including reports of stones and Molotov cocktails being thrown at cars. Be vigilant when using this route and avoid stopping between the Maccabim check point and Jerusalem on Route 443 if possible.

There are ongoing violent incidents in Israel and the West Bank, including Tel Aviv, East Jerusalem and the Old City. There have been numerous stabbing, shooting, arson and stone throwing attacks on people and vehicles, as well as violent clashes between protestors and Israeli security forces. There’s a risk that tourists or bystanders could be caught up in any incident. You should be vigilant at all times.

There have been a number of violent incidents on public transport and near public transport lines in Jerusalem. You should avoid using buses in Jerusalem. Only use the light rail between Mount Herzl and Ammunition Hill. Avoid travel on the light rail beyond Ammunition Hill; there have been regular violent incidents on that part of the route.

Take extra care and be vigilant when using public transport in Tel Aviv, in particular at transport hubs, and when using buses in the greater Tel Aviv area. You may wish to consider using other forms of transport.

Tensions remain high and you should consider the possibility of further incidents before undertaking travel to the West Bank including East Jerusalem and the Old City. Expect road closures and numerous checkpoints across the West Bank. The entrances to the Old City may be subject to checks or closures.

There have been violent demonstrations in Arab municipalities across Israel and there’s potential for more demonstrations. Take extra care if a demonstration is taking place nearby and avoid large gatherings.

Rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel in recent days. Further rocket fire is possible and you should familiarise yourself with the safety actions that you should take in the event of a warning siren.

The security situation on the border with Egypt remains volatile. Take extra care and be vigilant when using Route 10 which runs along the Israeli border with Egypt and is subject to closures by the Israeli authorities. You may wish to consider using other routes.

In northern Israel there’s still a risk of accidental or deliberate rocket or mortar fire from Syria. Take care when travelling in areas in the Upper Galilee and the Golan Heights.

You should be especially vigilant after Friday prayers and on religious holidays. Demonstrations and other forms of civil unrest can occur at short notice and often turn violent. A heavy Israeli security presence is likely. Be extra vigilant and take great care, particularly at the Qalandiya checkpoint between East Jerusalem and Ramallah, in areas close to refugee camps, in and around Israeli settlements and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus and Ramallah. See Safety and security

Visa and other entry requirements are complex. Make sure you’re aware of Israeli immigration policies before you travel. Allow extra time for increased security measures and checks at airports during Israeli holidays and during the peak summer tourist season. See Entry Requirements

There is a high threat from terrorism. See Terrorism

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.
* * * * *

Safety and security

This travel advice covers Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories
You should keep up to date with local travel advice via local news outlets and international outlets like the Access Coordination Unit

Gaza

The FCO advise against all travel to Gaza (including the waters off Gaza).

You should not approach the perimeter fence surrounding the Gaza Strip.

The FCO is not able to support individuals applying for entry or exit permits for Gaza. If you decide to visit Gaza against FCO advice, you will need to contact the relevant Israeli authorities well in advance. If your entry to Gaza is via the Rafah crossing, you will need to contact the relevant Egyptian authorities in advance. The FCO is no longer able to provide administrative support for UK charities wishing to enter Gaza via the Rafah crossing.

The Rafah border with Egypt regularly closes with no warning and for long periods of time. At these times it may be impossible to enter or leave Gaza. The FCO can no longer offer routine consular assistance in Gaza. If you travel to Gaza you should review your security arrangements regularly and make sure you know what to do if you hear a warning siren.

The FCO recognise the need for major international organisations to carry out humanitarian and reconstruction work and to engage in independent reporting and verification of the situation on the ground in Gaza. Medical and other essential specialist staff should co-ordinate their entry to and exit from Gaza with those organisations.

Don’t attempt to enter Gaza by sea, including via a flotilla. The Israeli Navy routinely patrol the area and have made clear that they will prevent any vessels attempting to breach the restrictions. You will be detained and deported, and your electronic equipment is likely to be confiscated. The FCO does not believe that humanitarian supplies should be delivered in this way. Anyone wishing to send humanitarian assistance or other goods to Gaza should do so through established channels.

In 2010 Israeli forces boarded a ship bound for Gaza. Nine foreign nationals were killed and many more injured.

Occupied Golan Heights

The FCO advise against all travel to the east of Route 98 along the Syrian border.

Rocket attacks and sporadic gunfire have occurred in northern Israel without warning since 2012. On 27 August 2014 the Israeli authorities closed parts of Route 98 (from Bar’on intersection to Alonei Habashan) due to the increase in fighting on the Syrian side of the border, especially by the Quneitra border crossing, which has been seized by Syrian rebel groups. If you’re travelling in the area, follow advice from local law enforcement.

West Bank

The situation in the West Bank is tense.

The Israeli authorities sometimes restrict movement in and out of the West Bank, either on Jewish High Holidays or as a result of a security incident. This doesn’t normally affect foreign nationals, but would affect dual Palestinian-British nationals. Road closures can occur with little notice. You should keep up to date with local travel updates.

Travel in and out of the West Bank is not possible without passing through at least one Israeli military checkpoint. You will need a passport and immigration slip to go through these checkpoints.

The cities of Bethlehem, Ramallah and Jericho see large numbers of tourists including on organised tours and there have been no recent reports of any serious incidents involving foreigners. However, you should take care when travelling anywhere in the West Bank. Demonstrations and violent incidents can occur without warning particularly in areas close to refugee camps across the West Bank and in the cities of Jenin, Nablus and Hebron. You should avoid all demonstrations or large gatherings, including student protests.

Israelis living in the illegal settlements in the West Bank occasionally organise demonstrations in the West Bank which sometimes turn violent. Take particular care if you are near any of these settlements, including those in the hills around Nablus and in the South Hebron hills. There is a closed military zone in the H2 area of Hebron (around Ash-Shuhada Street and the Ibrahimi Mosque/Tomb of the Patriarchs), where there is a risk of a hostile reaction from members of extremist groups.

There are also regular demonstrations against the route of the separation barrier in various locations including the villages of Bil’in, Ni’lin, Nabi Saleh, Jayyous, and Al Mas’ara. These frequently turn violent. It is extremely dangerous to attend these demonstrations.

Due to restrictions on travel, the ability of the FCO to provide consular assistance in the West Bank may be limited.

Jerusalem

Be vigilant when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem. The situation in East Jerusalem can be tense.

There are frequent demonstrations in many of the areas of the city visited by tourists including in and around the Old City, especially after Friday prayers. Some of these protests have led to violent clashes. Stay alert at all times in the Old City and leave the area if there is evidence of tension or unrest (for example if the shops in the souks suddenly begin to close their shutters). Isolated street protests and demonstrations can also occur in East Jerusalem.

Crime

Most visits to Israel and the OPTs are trouble-free, but the theft of passports, credit cards, and valuables from public beaches is common. Keep your personal belongings in a safe place.

Crime is generally not a problem in Israel and the OPTs, but you should take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Passport security

A Serious Organised Crime Agency investigation into the misuse of UK passports in the murder of Mahmud al-Mabhuh in Dubai in January 2010 found circumstantial evidence of Israeli involvement in the fraudulent use of British passports. This has raised the possibility that your passport details could be captured for improper uses while your passport is out of your control. The risk applies in particular to passports without biometric security features. Only hand your passport over to others (including Israeli officials) when absolutely necessary.

Road travel

Driving is erratic and there are frequent accidents. Radar speed traps operate on roads within Israel, and fines for speeding are high.

If you intend to drive in the West Bank, check that you are insured before setting out. It may be easier to arrange West Bank insurance at a hire company in East Jerusalem than from the major hire car companies in Israel.

It isn’t safe to hitchhike in Israel.

If you’re travelling to the desert, go with others, take a supply of water and a mobile phone, and let someone know your itinerary and expected time of return.

* * * **
Terrorism

There is a high threat from terrorism. Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by foreigners, and on public transport.

Heightened tensions, brought about by rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel and Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, increase the risk of retaliatory terrorist attacks in Israel. British nationals are encouraged to remain vigilant at all times.

In December 2013 a device exploded on a bus in Bat Yam, south of Tel Aviv. A police officer was lightly wounded. Police have confirmed that this was an attempted terrorist attack and are urging the public to be extra vigilant. The last such incident was in November 2012.

There is a threat of rockets being fired into Israeli territory by extremists in the Gaza Strip and Egypt and a threat of rocket attacks, artillery or small arms fire along the border areas with Lebanon and Syria.

Be vigilant, monitor media reports and keep up to date with travel advice. Make sure you are familiar with contact details for the emergency services (in Israel – dial 100; in the West Bank and Gaza – dial 101).

There is considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by the conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

Kidnap

There is a risk of kidnap in Gaza and along the border with Egypt. The long-standing policy of the British government is not to make substantive concessions to hostage takers. The British government considers that paying ransoms and releasing prisoners increases the risk of further hostage taking.


<>

NOTES
Tourism in Israel

Jewish Virtual Library

The tourism industry in Israel is quite large, employing over 200,000 people (about 6% of Israel’s work force). Israel experienced record tourism numbers in 2013, with 3.54 million visitors total including daily visitors. A fascinating tourist destination for many reasons, Israel has the highest concentration of museums per capita in the world and is brimming with history and religious significance for many people. Popular tourist sites in Israel include The Western Wall, Jerusalem’s Old City, The Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Masada, and the grave of Rabbi Simeon bar Yochai. Tourists from he United States account for 18% of all tourism in Israel, followed by Russia, France, and Germany.

Most popular city destinations
from Wikipedia

1 Jerusalem
2 Tel Aviv
3 Safed
4 Akko
5 Haifa
6 Tiberias
7 Nazareth
8 Beersheba
9 Eilat
10 Ashkelon

Israel – Travel & Tourism Total Contribution to GDP

from Knoema Data Atlas

Tourism and travel (including internal) made up 7.2% of Israel’s GDP in 2015, the lowest it’s ever been. The high point was 10.1% in 2000.

© Copyright JFJFP 2024