JERUSALEM — Israel posted huge tourism numbers in 2017, with reports of a 25% increase and a record 3.6 million visitors bringing in US$5.8 billion of revenue.

According to Israel’s Tourism Ministry, the increase of 700,000 tourists last year was a result of 18 new routes flying into Tel Aviv’s Ben-Gurion Airport as well as more flights to the Red Sea resort of Eilat, reports Reuters.

The country saw additional airlift from Ryanair, Lot, WizzAir and WOW, as well as Air Canada and Transat. Hainan Airlines in particular is credited with boosting tourism from China by 46% with a new route.

The United States, Russia, France, Germany and Great Britain were the top incoming markets in 2017. The top two tourist destinations were Jerusalem followed by Tel Aviv.

Israel’s Tourism Ministry has been making big strides in infrastructure and tourism initiatives. Tourism Minister Yariv Levin has noted several initiatives are proving effective, including giving financial incentives to airlines to open new routes, collaborating with online travel agents, and working with entrepreneurs to build more hotels.