The number of Israelis traveling abroad also dropped sharply in January.
The Central Bureau of Statistics reports that 130,000 tourists entered Israel in January 2009, 29% fewer than in January 2008. The Central Bureau of Statistics blames the fall on Operation Cast Lead in Gaza, which began in late December and ended on January 17.
The Central Bureau of Statistics added that 180,000 Israelis traveled abroad in January 2009, 23% fewer than in January 2008 when there were 172,000 departures, including Israelis living overseas.
The Central Bureau of Statistics also feels that this fall was influenced by the military operation in Gaza, with the mobilization of IDF reservists reducing the number of vacationers. The Central Bureau of Statistics stressed that there many flights to Turkey were cancelled.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on February 17, 2009
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