(JNS.org) In April 2017, a record-breaking 349,000 tourists entered Israel, a 38-percent increase from April 2016 and the highest-ever figure for any month since Israel’s establishment in 1948.

Additionally, between January and April 2017, 1.1 million tourists entered the Jewish state, an increase of 26 percent from the same period in 2016 and 22 percent more than those months in 2015.

“When there is clear policy, we see results. Every month, we are witnessing exceptional statistics that illustrate the progress we are spearheading in the tourism industry and its tremendous contribution to the Israeli economy and workforce,” Israeli Tourism Minister Yariv Levin said Tuesday.

“This important and exciting milestone is part of a positive trend that has been taking place over the last half year or more. I hope and believe that, with hard work, we will continue to reap the benefits of this investment,” Levin added.

The significant rise in tourism to Israel comes despite higher costs for travelers, due to the substantial strengthening of the shekel currency in recent months. Incoming tourism during the first four months of the year accounted for an estimated 6 billion shekels ($1.7 billion) being infused into Israel’s economy.