The Ministry of Tourism invites interested parties to forward proposals related to developing the cycling tourism industry in Israel

The Ministry of Tourism published an advertisement last week (8.08.08) inviting interested parties to forward proposals related to developing cycling tourism in Israel. An invitation to present the proposals will be extended to those applicants whose proposals are judged to be suitable.

As a result of the government decision to develop cycling tourism in Israel, a steering committee, under the direction of the Director-General of the Tourism Ministry, was appointed to prepare a comprehensive plan to promote the industry in terms of tourism, leisure and vacationing. 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 NIS for this project, of which 20 million NIS are 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."