Israel on two wheels

The Ministry of Tourism in Israel has invited interested parties to forward proposals related to developing the cycling tourism industry in the country. The objective is to develop cycling tourism as an essential component in enjoying leisure in nature and as a means of positioning Israel as a tourist destination for international cyclists.

The government has allocated a budget of 100 million shekel for this project, of which 20 million shekel is intended for the first five years. Within a few months, the steering committee will make its recommendations to the government regarding setting priorities, action plans, development and maintenance of the infrastructure, etc.

Israel is well-suited to cycling, offering a wide range of sites, comfortable climate and many cycling paths. Bicycles offer the optimal energy-saving solution for touring the country, are environmentally-friendly, improve physical fitness and take up only 1/20th of the space of an average car.

Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham-Balili: "The Tourism Ministry leads the development of the cycling tourism industry as part of its policy to position Israel as a unique and quality tourist destination at an international level. This is in light of the worldwide trend in the tourism industry that places cycling tourism as a significant and developing market segment. Developing the industry will improve Israel's image around the world and increase tourist traffic, while preserving the environment."