The Tourism Ministry is asking the public to submit ideas to help develop bicycle touring in Israel and develop the country as a destination for international cyclists. The government has allocated 100 million shekels ($28 million) for the project.

The ministry pointed out that Israel is well suited to cycling and that bicycles offer the optimal energy-saving solution for touring. "Developing the industry will improve Israel's image around the world and increase tourist traffic, while preserving the environment," said newly appointed Tourism Minister Ruhama Avraham.