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2008-A record year for tourism in Israel By Hannah Glass Tags:   Israeli tourism is on target for fulfilling the Tourism Ministry's prediction of 2.8 million visitors in 2008. Israeli tourism is definitely on the up judging by the significant increase in tourists visiting the country since the beginning of 2008. The number of arrivals by air to Israel has increased by 25% since the beginning of the year, 31% more than 2007, according to the Central Bureau of Statistics. Globes Online reports that during September 2008, 1.07 million passengers passed through Ben Gurion International Airport, 9.3% more than in the corresponding month last year. Advertisement Internal flights at the airport have also seen a surge in demand with a 16% rise in traffic from September 2007. Israel carriers flew about 400,000 passengers during September representing about 38.9% of all travelers, a rise of 4.2% compared with last year. 1.7 million tourists visited Israel from January to July 2008, nearly double the number over the same period in 2007. This dramatic increase suggests that the Tourism Ministry is well on the way to reaching its target of 2.8 million tourists in 2008, a record year indeed for Israeli tourism. Related articles: Korean Air to announce new Seoul-Tel Aviv nonstop line Chinese government approves Israel as tourist destination U.S. Airways applies to open direct Philadelphia-Tel Aviv line Bookmark to del.icio.us   Expecting change Hamas leader Meshal says Obama has no choice but to talk to group. Kosher Kiwi New Zealand elects a Jewish and conservative Prime Minister.

Read & React Amira Hass: Haniyeh willing to accept Palestine with 1967 borders Responses: 72 Gideon Levy: Let's hope Obama won't be a 'friend of Israel' Responses: 52 At Rabin memorial, Barak calls right-wing extremists 'cancerous growths' Responses: 72 Iran slams Obama's tough language on nuclear arms Responses: 112 Report: Treasury may have destroyed land deeds of Holocaust victims Responses: 1 More Headlines 07:59 Haniyeh: Hamas willing to accept Palestinian state with 1967 borders 10:01 At Egypt meet, Livni will seek to ease Quartet pressure on Israel 07:33 Amira Hass / How we busted the naval siege on Gaza 08:26 Settlers deny Palestinian claim Hebron boy, 6, beaten with rock 01:48 Gideon Levy / Let's hope Obama won't be a 'friend of Israel' 10:15 'Treasury acted as stealthy thieves in handling of Holocaust victims' property' 06:01 Jewish and conservative, New Zealand's elected PM promises change 07:26 At Rabin memorial, Barak calls right-wing extremists 'cancerous growths' 06:10 Barak seeks NIS 500m for reinforcing Israeli homes near Gaza border 07:01 ANALYSIS / Mrs. Peretz's Sderot mayoral bid goes beyond mere feminism 09:06 Report: Auschwitz blueprints found in Berlin apartment Previous Editions Select Day 07 nov 06 nov 05 nov 04 nov 03 nov 02 nov 31 oct 30 oct 29 oct 28 oct 27 oct 26 oct

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