The Israel Ministry of Tourism (IMOT) has informed dozens of local authorities that applied for funding to develop public tourism infrastructure about those projects that will receive support this year across the country. The 55 approved projects represent an investment of approximately NIS 410 million, with the ministry contributing NIS 230 million toward these initiatives.

Tourism Minister Haim Katz said, “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. 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 include heritage centres, promenades, laser shows in unique locations, parks, accessibility improvements, attractions, and biking trails. Notable projects receiving financial support include the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site, a walk-on-water experience in Ginossar, development of the Cave of the Patriarchs Plaza, the establishment of an archaeological park in Beit E, renovation of the aqueduct in Jisr al-Zarqa, an ecological promenade in Kfar Aza, illumination of monuments in Jerusalem, ecological promenade in Kfar Aza, A nighttime experiential tour in Katzrin, laser shows at the marina in Eilat and the citadel in the Knights’ Halls, among others.

Renovation, extension and restoration work will also be underway at Akhziv promenade in the Mateh Asher region, the aqueduct in Jisr al-Zarqa, illumination of monuments in Jerusalem, the Resilience Boulevard in Sderot, alleys in Safed’s Old City, Ark of the Covenant Promenade in Kiryat Ye’arim, and establishment of the Chazon Ish Heritage Center in Bnei Brak.

The ministry has decided to invest approximately NIS 22 million in tourism projects in Judea and Samaria, spanning the entire region. These include accessibility improvements at the Cave of the Patriarchs, development of the scenic Jeremiah Route in Wadi Qelt, continued work on the water reservoir project in Dir Sha’ar in Gush Etzion, establishment of an archaeological park in Beit El, creation of a Psalms Trail segment including park development in Mount Hebron, construction of a tourist reception centre in northern Samaria, and upgrades to the Qasr al-Yahud baptism site at the north of Dead Sea.

Ministry of Tourism Director-General Dani Shahar said, “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, the local authority’s ability to maintain the project, maintenance complexity, and diversification or enhancement of the tourism product. The infrastructures we create will offer an unforgettable visitor experience in every place.”

Ninety-eight local authorities responded to the Israel Ministry of Tourism’s invitation to submit requests for funding to establish and upgrade tourism infrastructure in their jurisdictions. In recent months, the ministry’s team reviewed 119 applications, representing a total requested investment of approximately NIS 1.6 billion.