Page last updated: 04 September 2024
Israel, a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, offers a timeless journey through sacred sites, innovative cities, and the resilient spirit of its people.
How many people visit Israel each year?
Over 32.18 million tourists visited Israel in 2023. 1
- In 2019, Israel welcomed 4.55 million international visitors. When the pandemic began in 2020, this number dropped by 82% to 833,000.
- By 2021, Israel experienced a further 52% decline in international tourism with 397,000 visitors.
- Inbound tourism rose to 2.67 million visitors in 2022, and this trend continued in 2023 with 3.01 million visitors. However, this was still a 33% drop compared to 2019 (pre-pandemic).
How much do tourists spend in Israel every year?
International tourists spent over $5.95 billion during trips to Israel in 2023.2
- Inbound tourist expenditure in Israel generated $8.46 billion in 2019.
- This number decreased to $2.6 billion in 2020 due to coronavirus travel restrictions and fewer international visitors. This dropped by 8% in 2021 to $2.4 billion.
- Israel recovered in international tourism revenue in 2022 with $6.27 billion.
- However, international tourism revenue decreased to $5.95 billion in 2023 due to economic issues (a 5% decrease).
Which country visits Israel the most?
The leading sources of foreign tourists to Israel in 2023 were the US, closely followed by France, the UK, the Russian Fed, and Germany.
- The United States was the top source of international visitors to Israel, accounting for 853,300 visits and holding a 28% market share. France also contributed significantly with 216,700 tourists.
- The United Kingdom accounted for a 6% share with 185,500 visits.
How many people visited Israel in 2022?
- In 2022, Israel welcomed 32.18 million visitors, with 29.5 million being international tourists and 2.67 million domestic travellers.
How much did people spend in Israel in 2023?
- Israel generated $5.95 billion in international tourism revenue in 2023.
How long do visitors stay in Israel?
- In 2022, tourists generally spent 10.9 nights exploring Israel’s popular cities and attractions.
Israel Travel Resources
Economic Impact – Israel Tourism Statistics
According to the World Travel & Tourism Council’s (WTTC) 2023 Economic Impact Research (EIR):3
- Israel’s tourism sector expanded by over 11% in 2023, contributing a record $444.3 billion to Israel’s GDP (5.6% of the total economy).
- The travel and tourism industry created 238,000 jobs, representing nearly one in five jobs across the country.
- Tourist spending increased by nearly 162% to $6.27 billion in 2023, surpassing the previous record while domestic visitor spending increased by 47% to $9.9 billion.
Shifts in Israel’s Peak Tourist Months Due to the Pandemic and Gaza Conflict
- In the pre-pandemic years of 2018 and 2019, tourism was stable, with the peak months being March, May, and November.
- 2022 experienced a significant drop in visitor numbers due to travel restrictions and safety concerns stemming from the pandemic.
- Due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza in 2023, international tourism declined even further.
What were the peak tourist months in 2023?
- May 2023 welcomed 380,000 visitors due to the pleasant spring weather, Jerusalem Day, Lag BaOmer celebrations, and increased European school holidays.
- April attracted 360,000 visitors thanks to Israel’s mild weather, significant religious holidays like Passover and Easter, and the blooming season.
- March 2023 saw 350,000 visitors, who were attracted by festivals like Purim, and milder weather.
- June was another popular month (320,000 visitors) with tourists visiting for major events like Tel Aviv Pride and Hebrew Book Week.
- February welcomed 310,000 visitors due to milder winter weather, cultural events like Tu Bishvat and the Eilat Chamber Music Festival, and lower travel costs.
How popular is Israel as a tourist destination?
- In 2023, Israel was ranked 8th in the world for medical tourism by the Medical Tourism Index, which highlighted the large number of tourists visiting the Dead Sea and medical tourists seeking fertility treatments.4
- Israel also scored 74 out of 100 due to zero rainy days in the summer season, and was rated the best summer vacation destination in May 2023.
Israel Travel Statistics – International & Domestic Tourism
- In 2022, 29.5 million domestic visitors travelled to Israel, making up 92% of the total tourists while international tourists amounted to 2.67 million.
Which cities are the most visited in Israel?
Based on the latest data from WorldAtlas, the following are some of the top cities in Israel that captivated the most international visitors in 2022.
- Jerusalem, Israel’s most-visited city, welcomed 3.5 million tourists in 2022. Tourists were attracted by religious and historical sites such as the Old City, Mount Zion, and the Mount of Olives.
- As Israel’s second-largest city, Tel Aviv attracted 2.3 million visitors in 2022. The city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, Bauhaus architecture, and nearby historic Jaffa.
- Safed, one of Judaism’s Four Holy Cities, is known for its ancient synagogues, nature reserves, and the nearby gravesite of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron.
- Also known as Acre, Akko is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the holiest city for the Bahá’í Faith, featuring the Old City, Knights Hall, and the Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh.
- Israel’s third largest city, Haifa, is a Bahá’í pilgrimage centre and UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to attractions like the Cave of Elijah, Mount Carmel, and the Shrine of Báb and its Terraces.
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