The Settlement Division of the World Zionist Organization and the Megilot Regional Council are drawing up plans for a number of golf courses in the northern region of the Dead Sea. The project is expected to cost tens of millions of dollars and will be aimed to attract golfers from all around the world.

The director of the central district of the settlement division, Shay Lavi, said the tourism project would require lawns and landscape parks to be laid on an area of 2,000 dunams. It will use effluent from Jerusalem redirected to the region. The project would also include the construction of 1,500 accommodation units, golf courses, clubhouses and tourist services, he said.

A delegation for the planners recently visited a number of golf projects in desert areas in the western United States. During their visit, the members of the delegation met with professionals and business entrepreneurs in the industry who expressed willingness to participate in the various aspects of the project. The initiators of the project are also looking for strategic investors in the Israeli tourism industry.

Lavi said that the project was designed to turn the northern area of the Dead Sea into a prestigious tourism site that would take advantage of its proximity to Jerusalem and the center of the country. Infrastructure work began in the area this week.

The tourism project in the northern area of the Dead Sea is expected to contribute toward the economic development of the towns and communities in the region.

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Nisan 5761 - April 2001