

(Sunset in Jerusalem, Israel. /Photo via Support Israel?)
China continued to be Israel's fastest growing source of tourists in the first seven months of 2017, Israel's top tourism official stated. The statistic is attributed to the increase of direct flights to Tel Aviv from Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
Over 64,000 Chinese tourists visited Israel from January to July this year, up 66 percent year-on-year, outpacing the global average of 17 percent year-on-year, Yariv Levin, Israeli Minister of Tourism said during his first official visit to China.
Israel's tourism ministry has stepped up cooperation with Chinese online tourism platforms, including a strategic cooperation agreement with Ctrip, China's largest online travel agency, earlier this month with aims to promote the country's unique tourism opportunities.
Travelling overseas has become a popular choice among increasingly affluent Chinese. Data from the China National Tourism Administration shows that about 62 million overseas trips were made in the first half of this year, up 5 percent year-on-year.
To meet the demands of this growing market, the Israeli tourism ministry has begun training tourist guides to speak Chinese and is building a version of its official website in Chinese too, according to Levin.
Fire brigade in Shanghai holds group wedding
Tourists enjoy ice sculptures in Datan Town, north China
Sunset scenery of Dayan Pagoda in Xi'an
Tourists have fun at scenic spot in Nanlong Town, NW China
Harbin attracts tourists by making best use of ice in winter
In pics: FIS Alpine Ski Women's World Cup Slalom
Black-necked cranes rest at reservoir in Lhunzhub County, Lhasa
China's FAST telescope will be available to foreign scientists in April
"She power" plays indispensable role in poverty alleviation
Top 10 world news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 China news events of People's Daily in 2020
Top 10 media buzzwords of 2020
Year-ender:10 major tourism stories of 2020
No interference in Venezuelan issues
Biz prepares for trade spat
Broadcasting Continent
Australia wins Chinese CEOs as US loses