The impact of Operation Protective Edge on tourism is becoming clearer: During August this year, there was a 321% decrease in tourism entering Israel compared to August last year - according to data from the Ministry of Tourism and the Central Bureau of Statistics.
""The data proves that the compensation outline we submitted to the government beyond the 40-kilometer line is the required outline," said Tourism Minister Uzi Landau.
According to the Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, Amir Halevi, "The major damage that the Israeli economy has experienced in tourism in all parts of the country due to cancellations of visits is a factor in the slowdown in the economy, as is evident from the Bank of Israel discussions currently underway.".
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The Ministry of Tourism is warning of ongoing damage - and reporting cancellations of visits to Israel even in early 2015.
According to the data, after a 31% drop in incoming tourism during July, August data indicates a deepening impact of "Protective Edge" on tourism: During August, 182,000 visitor arrivals to Israel were recorded, 36% fewer than August 2013. This number is lower than August 2007 to 2013, but 49% higher than August 2006 - the Second Lebanon War, when arrivals totaled 122,000. Of these arrivals, 164,000 were tourist arrivals, 32% fewer than August 2013.
The tourist arrivals figure is also low compared to August 2007 to 2013. 147,000 arrivals were recorded by air - a decrease of 31% compared to August 2013. 17,000 tourist arrivals were by land (42% less compared to August 2013), 11,000 arrivals were through the border stations with Jordan (a decrease of 49%), and 6,000 arrivals were recorded from Taba to Eilat (an increase of 19% compared to August 2013).
Also, 18,000 arrivals during August were day visits - 59% less than August 2013. Of these visits, approximately 500 were visits by cruise ship passengers - a decrease of 97% compared to 16,100 passengers in August 2013. 6,000 arrivals were by air - 73% less than August 2013, and approximately 11,000 arrivals were recorded by land - a 2.5-fold increase compared to August 2013.
The Ministry of Tourism also announced that the ministry is convening all its envoys around the world this week to formulate a plan to return tourists to Israel, who provide employment for some 200,000 people in the country. "Every sensible person understands the importance of restoring tourism as a growth engine that brings in 40 billion shekels a year. Providing compensation to this industry will pay for itself many times over in revenue to the economy," the ministry says.
