55 Tourism Infrastructure Projects In Israel To Receive NIS 410 Million Investment

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has approved 55 projects nationwide, investing NIS 410 million in public tourism infrastructure. The initiatives supported by NIS 230 million in funding include heritage sites, promenades, laser shows, parks, and attractions, which enhance accessibility and visitor experiences, particularly in Judea and Samaria.

The Israel Ministry of Tourism has informed numerous local authorities about the approval of funding for tourism infrastructure projects across the country. The 55 projects will receive financial backing, representing an investment of approximately NIS 410 million, with the Ministry contributing NIS 230 million towards these developments.

Tourism Minister Haim Katz remarked, "Alongside the responsibility we took to address the needs of 1,30,000 evacuees, we have continued to plan for the day after while establishing and upgrading infrastructure to improve the visitor and tourist experience. The investment in Judea and Samaria, the biblical heartland, will make the rich history of the Jewish people in the region more accessible and unlock its tourism potential."

The primary approved projects are developing heritage centres, promenade laser shows at prominent locations, parks, accessibility improvements, and biking trails. Notable initiatives include upgrades to the Qasr al Yahud baptism site, a walk-on water experience at Ginossar, and the establishment of an archaeological park in Beit E. Additionally, restoration work will be carried out at the aqueduct in Jisr al Zarqa with ecological promenades being developed in areas such as Kfar Aza.

Renovation and restoration efforts will extend to other sites, including the Resilience Boulevard in Sderot alleys in Safed's Old City and the Ark of the Covenant promenade in Kiryat's Yearim. Establishing the Chazon-ish Heritage Center in Bnei Brak and continuing work on the scenic Jeremiah Route in Wadi Qelt are also planned.

A substantial portion of the budget, approximately NIS 22 million, has been launched for tourism development in Judea and Samaria. Key projects in the area will include the upgrading of the Clan Cave, the construction of the Psalms Trail section at Mount Hebron and the construction of a Visitor Welcome Center in North Samaria

Dani Shahar, Director General of the Ministry of Tourism, explained, "We have distributed the investment across the country. The Ministry evaluated the projects based on criteria such as their potential to attract visitors from Israel and overseas proximity to existing or planned accommodations, alignment with ministry and government policies and the ability of the local authorities to maintain the projects. The infrastructure we are creating will offer an unforgettable visitor experience in every place."

The Ministry of Tourism received 119 applications for funding, requesting a total of approximately NIS 1.6 billion. Ninety-eight local authorities responded to the Ministry's invitation, and after thorough evaluation, the 55 most promising projects were selected for funding.

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