An agreement for a project to develop tourism in Israel has been signed here between representatives of the United States and the Israel governments, is was announced here.
The project is expected to cost $200,000 and a corresponding sum in Israel pounds. The dollars will be provided by the American government for expenditure in the United States, while the Israel pounds will come from the Israel government and will pay for work in Israel.
A communique issued after the signing of the agreement stated that access roads leading to many places of historical, religious, or scenic interest must be built or improved; archaeological and other sites must be cleared, restored, landscaped, and signposted; hotel services must be improved, and entertainments must, be provided.
In 1953, income in foreign currency resulting directly from tourist spendings in Israel amounted to $8,000,000. About 35,000 tourists visited Israel that year. The Tourist Centre here considers that, during the next three or four years, it may be possible to increase the number of tourists to 100,000 annually. This might well mean a hard currency income of as much as $25,000,000, including travel on Israel ships and planes.
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