Israeli Hotels: Highest occupancy rate since 2000

Nationwide hotel occupancy rose to 74% in October, up nearly 30% compared with the same month last year
 
The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) announced last week that no less than 2.3 million people are expected to visit Israel during 2007, significantly greater number than in 2006. Nationwide hotel occupancy rose to 74% in October, up nearly 30% compared with the same month last year.It is also the highest occupancy rate for any October since 1999.
 
The CBS also noted that tourism is expected to contribute a billion dollars to the GDP this year, or 0.7% of Israel's GDP.
 
A national occupancy rate of 74% brings Israel near the averages in heavily tourism-oriented countries.
 
Tourism Minister Aharonovich said following the CBS announcement that Israel has to start preparing for a major influx of tourists in 2008.
 
He foresees some 2.8 million people coming, noting that Israel's total population is only around 7 million.