According to official statistics released on Monday, the number of overnight stays by tourists at hotels in Israel reached 2.32 million in the first quarter of 2023, which is almost three times the 786,000 recorded in the same period last year. However, the figure falls short of the 2.91 million recorded in Q1 2019. The Central Bureau of Statistics provided the data, which shows a significant recovery in the tourism sector since the COVID-19 pandemic.
The growth in hotel stays follows a March 2022 change in the Israeli government’s policy, according to which foreign visitors are no longer required to present a COVID-19 vaccination or recovery certificate to enter the country. The move was aimed to boost the tourism sector, which was severely affected by the pandemic. Israel’s tourism industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with hotels and other accommodations making up a considerable portion of the sector.