Israel, Jerusalem, Haifa and the Dead Sea are among the destinations covered by a nationwide tourism infrastructure programme involving 58 projects and approximately NIS 174 million in funding from the Israel Ministry of Tourism. The projects stretch from Eilat and the Red Sea in the south to Mount Hermon in the north, covering heritage sites, promenades, bicycle paths, parks, accessibility facilities and audiovisual visitor attractions. The Ministry of Tourism announced the programme on 17 February 2026 as part of efforts to develop tourism infrastructure across the country.
Jerusalem Tourism Gains New Heritage Investment
Jerusalem is receiving several projects within the broader tourism infrastructure programme, adding to an existing network of religious, archaeological and cultural attractions. The city’s tourism offer includes the Western Wall, the Old City, archaeological sites, museums and historic neighbourhoods.
The Western Wall area is also covered by a separate five-year infrastructure programme for 2027 to 2031. The Israeli government approved a total framework of NIS 113.5 million for improvements to the Western Wall plaza and tunnels, including archaeological excavation, conservation, transport infrastructure, crowd-management systems and visitor interpretation.
Planned works include upgraded paving, improved entrances and security facilities, visitor information points and shuttle services. Archaeological excavations and conservation work will also continue beneath the plaza and within the Western Wall Tunnels, with plans for additional audiovisual interpretation.
For travellers, these projects add new layers to an already concentrated heritage itinerary where the Western Wall, Temple Mount, City of David, Tower of David and Church of the Holy Sepulchre can be explored within the wider Old City area.
Haifa Expands Its Waterfront Visitor Offer
Haifa is another destination included in the nationwide programme. The city sits between Mount Carmel and the Mediterranean Sea and is known for the Bahá’í World Centre, German Colony, beaches, museums and harbour.
Among the projects announced is the Port of Lights, adding an audiovisual and visitor-oriented attraction to Haifa’s tourism offer. The development contributes to a wider waterfront itinerary connecting the port area with the city’s historic and cultural attractions.
Travellers can combine Haifa with Acre, Nazareth and northern Israel, making the city a practical base for exploring the Mediterranean coast and Galilee.
Dead Sea Tourism Gets A Geological Focus
The Dead Sea is also receiving tourism infrastructure investment, including a geological observation site. The project adds interpretation of the unique geological landscape to an area already known for its mineral-rich waters, desert scenery and wellness tourism.
The Dead Sea remains one of Israel’s most distinctive natural destinations. Visitors can combine floating experiences and wellness stays with excursions to Masada, Ein Gedi and the surrounding Judean Desert.
The geological observation project gives visitors another way to understand the landscape rather than experiencing the Dead Sea solely as a resort destination.
Eilat Strengthens Red Sea Tourism
At the southern end of the programme, Eilat forms a major component of Israel’s leisure tourism network. The Red Sea resort is known for beaches, coral reefs, water sports, diving and marine tourism.
Eilat has also been the subject of wider government attention following disruption to its tourism economy. The State Comptroller has identified tourism infrastructure, shoreline development and transport accessibility among areas requiring continued attention.
For visitors, Eilat provides a contrasting experience to Jerusalem and northern Israel. Travellers can build itineraries around the Red Sea, desert landscapes and nearby protected areas.
Northern Israel Receives NIS 58 Million
Northern Israel is receiving approximately NIS 58 million within the tourism infrastructure programme. The projects extend towards Mount Hermon and cover destinations where outdoor, nature and heritage tourism form important parts of the visitor economy.
The northern region provides access to the Galilee, Golan Heights, mountain landscapes, archaeological sites and historic towns. Tourism infrastructure such as trails, parks, cycling routes and accessibility improvements can support visitors travelling between these attractions.
The investment also creates opportunities for multi-stop itineraries combining northern landscapes with Haifa and the Mediterranean coast.
Heritage And Accessibility Shape The Programme
The 58 projects cover several categories rather than focusing solely on individual attractions. Heritage centres, promenades, bicycle paths, parks, audiovisual attractions and accessibility facilities are included in the programme.
That mix has direct implications for travellers. Improved pedestrian areas can make historic districts easier to explore, while cycling routes create alternative ways of moving between attractions. Accessibility upgrades can improve visitor facilities for people with mobility requirements.
Audiovisual attractions also add interpretation to heritage sites, allowing destinations to present historical and cultural information through contemporary visitor experiences.
Israel Builds More Connected Tourism Itineraries
The geographic reach of the programme allows travellers to connect very different tourism environments within one country. Jerusalem provides religious and archaeological heritage, Haifa combines Mediterranean and urban attractions, the Dead Sea offers desert and wellness travel, while Eilat provides Red Sea tourism.
Further north, Mount Hermon and the Galilee expand the itinerary into mountain, nature and outdoor travel.
The country’s compact geography makes multi-destination trips possible, although journey times vary considerably depending on traffic and the chosen route.
Key Stats
• Tourism infrastructure projects approved: 58
• Ministry of Tourism funding: approximately NIS 174 million
• Northern Israel allocation: approximately NIS 58 million
• Programme geographic range: Eilat to Mount Hermon
• Western Wall 2027–2031 programme: NIS 113.5 million
• Western Wall programme duration: five years
• Main project types: heritage centres, promenades, cycling paths, parks, audiovisual attractions and accessibility facilities
Travel Details For Israel
Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv is Israel’s principal international aviation gateway. Jerusalem is accessible from the airport by road and rail, while Haifa has rail connections with Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Eilat is served by Ramon Airport, located north of the resort city.
The Israeli new shekel is the local currency. Travellers can use Jerusalem as a base for heritage tourism, Haifa for northern coastal travel, the Dead Sea for desert and wellness experiences, and Eilat for Red Sea activities. Visitors should check current access conditions, attraction opening hours and transport arrangements before travelling.
Conclusion
Israel’s 58 tourism infrastructure projects are extending investment across a wide geographic area, from Eilat and the Dead Sea to Jerusalem, Haifa and Mount Hermon. Heritage restoration, visitor interpretation, promenades, cycling routes, parks and accessibility improvements are adding new infrastructure to destinations already central to Israel’s tourism map. For travellers, the programme is creating a broader network that connects religious heritage, archaeology, Mediterranean culture, desert landscapes, mountain tourism and Red Sea experiences.
