Israel’s Tourism Ministry Allocates NIS 230M for Infrastructure Development

Israel’s Tourism Ministry has announced an ambitious investment of NIS 230 million to fund 55 tourism infrastructure projects across the country. The initiative, led by Tourism Minister Haim Katz, aims to improve the visitor experience while showcasing Israel’s diverse cultural and historical heritage.

Among the planned projects are heritage centers, parks, biking trails, and other attractions designed to draw both local and international tourists. Highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative, Katz stated: “Alongside the responsibility we took upon ourselves to address the needs of 130,000 evacuees, we have continued to plan for the ‘day after,’ while establishing and upgrading infrastructure to improve the visitor and tourist experience.”

A portion of the funding, approximately NIS 22 million, will be directed toward tourism development in the West Bank, including projects in Gush Etzion, Beit El, and Mount Hebron. Katz noted that this investment would unlock the tourism potential of Judea and Samaria, making the rich history of the Jewish people in these areas more accessible.

The ministry evaluated projects based on several criteria, including their potential to attract visitors, proximity to accommodations, alignment with government policies, and the ability of local authorities to maintain the sites. These guidelines aim to ensure that the selected projects offer significant value to Israel’s tourism sector while diversifying its offerings.

Over recent months, the Tourism Ministry received 98 applications for funding proposals from local authorities, adding to the 119 applications previously reviewed. Together, these represent a total requested investment of approximately NIS 1.6 billion, underscoring the growing demand for tourism development.

This substantial investment reflects Israel’s commitment to enhancing its status as a world-class travel destination. By upgrading infrastructure and promoting historical and cultural sites, the country continues to attract millions of visitors each year, bolstering both local economies and its global reputation.

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