Negev, Galilee to receive tourism boost

Joint committee formulates NIS 40 million plan to finance infrastructure.

By RON FRIEDMAN
Camel and desert (photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Camel and desert
(photo credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A joint committee of the Negev and the Galilee Development Ministry and the Tourism Ministry has formulated a NIS 40 million plan to finance tourism infrastructure in the Negev and Galilee. On Tuesday, the ministries released a list of 20 projects that will be included in the plan.
“Most of Israel’s tourism activities and sites are located in the periphery, in the Negev and Galilee, and therefore the Tourism Ministry invests many resources there to develop the areas and turn them into places that attract both domestic and incoming tourism,” said Tourism Minister Stas Meseznikov.
“Continued investment this year will lead to an increase in demand for visits to the region, its sites and attractions, to the creation of new jobs, to a decrease in unemployment and an increase in revenue for the economy,” he added.
“Developing tourism initiatives and strengthening infrastructure represent an economic and social stimulus that generates additional sources of employment,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Negev and the Galilee Development Minister Silvan Shalom.
“The objective is to uncover the hidden Galilee and the tourism attractions in the Negev to as many visitors as possible so that they will choose to take their family vacations in these areas. As a result of the investment in tourism, we can also attract others to come and live in the Negev and Galilee,” he said.
The plan features upgrades and infrastructure development at dozens of tourism sites, as well as the establishment of new initiatives and attractions.
In the Galilee, the plan calls for the development of places like the Safed fortress, Yavniel Founders Park, She’ar Yashuv, Mevo’ot Hermon, Rosh Hanikra, and Hamat Gader.
In the Negev money will be invested in the Peace Path in Eilat, a tourism village in Alumim, cycle paths on the Spice Route, strengthening infrastructure and establishing a motor park in Hatzerim, a visitors’ center in Timna Park, and in promoting Beduin tourism.