Israel reports record tourism figures

An estimated 3.45 million tourists visited Israel in 2010, a record number of travellers to the Jewish state, the tourism ministry said on Monday.

The number was 26 percent higher than 2009 and up 14 percent from 2008, the previous record year, the ministry said in a statement, adding most visitors came from the United States, Russia and France.

"We are talking about an important achievement!" Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov was quoted as saying in a statement.

"An achievement that is an expression of confidence in the Israeli tourism industry: this year, many more tourists visited Israel from many more countries, with many more bed nights and many more jobs - and, at the end of the day - significantly more money for the Israeli economy."

The biggest attractions were the religious sites in the Holy Land, with 77 percent of all tourists visiting the Western Wall and 61 percent going to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, both in Jerusalem's Old City.

Incoming tourism revenue totalled about 15 billion shekels (4.1 billion dollars), the statement said.

Tourism numbers have now surpassed the levels achieved at the turn of the millennium.

They had dipped sharply after the outbreak of the second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, in 2000, but began climbing again as violence ebbed.

The Palestinian Authority has also reported record tourist numbers in 2010.

Bethlehem hosted a record number of pilgrims on Christmas Day as tens of thousands flocked to celebrate in the West Bank town they believe is Jesus' birthplace, according to Palestinian officials.