Nazareth 2000




he historical city of Nazareth is to be one of the major places around the world where celebrations will be taking place to mark the year AD 2000.
This prospect brings with it a need to increase significantly the size and range of facilities on offer to the many visitors who are expected to arrive as the end of the second millennium approaches. The new facilities will include: hotels, hospices, restaurants, cafes, and other tourist facilities.
To meet these needs, investors are being offered opportunities and incentives to commit themselves and their resources to the task in hand.
The large number of visitors which are expected will offer the investor particularly handsome returns. However, action is needed now, both to prepare Nazareth for the coming festival and to ensure maximum returns.





WHY invest in Nazareth


a) Background to the city of Nazareth


The angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin spoused to a man whose name was Joseph .... , and the virgin's name was Mary...."

" And the angel said unto her: fear not, Mary, for though haste found favour with God. And , behold , though shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call him Jesus".

" And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth, in fulfillment of that which was spoken by the prophets. He (Jesus) shall be called a Nazarene."


And indeed, it was in Nazareth that Jesus lived for the major part of his life.

The Church of St. Joseph's Carpentry contains ruins dating back to the first century Anno Domini. Tradition holds that this was the site of Joseph's workshop and of the Holy Family's home.

Nazareth is the biggest Palestinian Arab city in Israel, with a population of 60,000. Its half- Christian and half-Muslim population is a powerful historical example of religious coexistence.

Nazareth's geographical location makes it a perfect base from which to tour the rest of the Galilee. To the north of the city lies Cana where Jesus turned water into wine. Also nearby is Sephoris, Tiberias, Mount Tabor, the Jordanian river and many other historical locations.

Nazareth offers a unique experience to the visitor. Picturesque red roofs and white stone churches sit haphazardly on the Galilean hillside. The wonderful panorama on offer from the heights above Nazareth, encompasses in its scope the entire Jezreel Valley.

As one of the most important Christian holy sites in the world, Nazareth has always been a special haven for pilgrims. The visitor finds an exciting ambiance with exotic flavors and textures, imbued with the famed warmth and hospitality of the Arab population. At the same time, Nazareth retains many spiritual oases of serenity and peace, provided by the diverse Christian orders in their beautiful churches and monasteries.

Among the important sites in Nazareth are: the Church of the Annunciation, which is by far the largest in the area, incorporating remains of earlier churches from the Byzantine and Crusader periods; the church of St. Gabriel, where, according to tradition, Mary first received the Annunciation from angel Gabriel; Mary's Well; the Synagogue church, which is built over the site of the synagogue where, according to Christian tradition, Jesus prayed; the Church of the Redeemer; the Menza Christi Church, which is built over the rock on which Jesus is said to have eaten with his disciples.

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b) Current investment opportunities:

The "Nazareth 2000" Project

The Israeli Government identified the Holy City of Nazareth as having tremendous potential for tourism. Accordingly, the Government, in cooperation with Nazareth Municipality, the Tourism ministry, the Tourist Corporation, and other ministries, drew up a master plan, called "Nazareth 2000", to exploit this potential. A budget of some US$ 100 million was allocated to the Project, culled from various public sources.

New traffic system

According to the "Nazareth 2000" Project, the streets of the old city, especially those linking the major historical sites, the churches and the old market are being transformed into beautiful promenades.

The main street of Nazareth , Paul VI Street, is being turned into a boulevard , with two-way traffic permitted for buses only. Other traffic will be diverted to Al-Salam Street, parallel to the main boulevard. This new traffic system is designed to facilitate the movement and parking of tourist buses.

The city's two main squares , the Mary's Well Square and the City Center Square, will be provided with tourist bus parks nearby, thereby enabling tourists to visit the holy sites and the old market, and to return to their buses afterwards.

The Old Market
Nearby the Church of the Annunciation lies the Old Market, a bustling and colorful bazaar, which sprawls over winding lanes up the Galilean hillside. It is comprised of many secondary markets, such as the Brides market ( for bridal dresses and other needs), the Blacksmith 's, the Goldsmith's, and the Vegetable market.

Hidden among the shops are public squares, mansions and many other historical and architectural treasures.

The "Nazareth 2000" Project aims to turn the old market into one of the most attractive sites in Israel. The process of conservation and restoration, which is ongoing, has already led many tourist operators and guides to recognize the majesty and historical significance of Nazareth's old buildings, its churches, its houses and its old shopping arcades.

Increasingly, Nazareth's old market attracts T.V networks and journalists from around the world, to document the uniqueness of the city.

Nazareth Old Market is also growing as a favorite resort for Israelis, who spend their weekends and their holidays in Nazareth.


Mount of the Precipice
In order to develop Nazareth's tourist capacity more fully, the Israel Land Authority has allocated an area outside the city, to provide for more hotel accommodation. This new complex is located on the slopes of the Mount of the Precipice, overlooking the Jezreel Plain, with Mount Tabor on one side and the old city on the other.

Other attractions
Over the years, the annual Liturgical Music Festival, which is held in Nazareth, has become a further point of attraction for both Israeli and foreign tourists. Much of the attraction lies in the fact that the Festival is held inside some of the city's beautiful old churches.

A specially designed programme of street lighting is being implemented, to enhance the charm of the old city. Historical sites will be illuminated in different colours, both at night and during the day, using lasers.

Nearby the hotel complex, a special garden is under construction, which is intended to include model-sized reproductions of key buildings around the world associated with Christianity.The uniqueness of the garden is expected to attract thousands of visitors from all over the country.

On the Mount of the Precipice itself, plans have been drawn up to construct a massive amphitheater, with a capacity of 20,000. This amphitheater is intended to be used by choirs from all over the world, to celebrate the second millennium.


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C) A sound investment

According to the Central Bureau for Statistics, the number of tourists who visited Nazareth in 1994 was 850,000; in 1995, this figure grew to 1.5 million.

These figures are forecast to increase rapidly in the next few years, reaching a peak of 2 million tourists in the year 2000. Nazareth's significance as a major tourist venue will undoubtedly be enhanced following the Vatican's designation of Nazareth as one of the principal sites of the Jubilee celebrations, marking the year 2000.

Thus, Nazareth offers the investor the prospect of attractive returns within a limited time scale for those investors who are willing to take early decisions and to move ahead with their investment plans.

In order to achieve the maximum returns, investors will wish to have their projects complete in time for the expected influx of tourists, as we move towards the end of the second millennium.


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D) Grants & tax exemptions


To promote investment, the city of Nazareth has been given priority region A status by the Government, thereby enabling hotels and other tourist facilities to enjoy the benefits of being classified as an " Approved Enterprise".

These benefits include:


This document is for information only , as it relates to a potetial tourism project. The information is in no way binding on the Ministry of Tourism or any other body mentioned herein. It does not add to, detract from, or alter any current law or regulation.
The information in this document is correct at the date of printing.

For further details - please contact :
Economic Division,
24 King George St.
Jerusalem , Israel.
Tel : 972-2-6754811
Fax : 972-2-6249693

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  • WHERE to invest in Nazareth



    Nazareth - Mount of Precipice Tourist Complex

    " AND THE PEOPLE BROUGHT HIM (Jesus) TO THE PRECIPICE OF THE MOUNTAIN THAT THEIR CITY (Nazareth) WAS BUILT UPON ". ( Luke 4)

    When completed, the hotel complex on the slopes of The Holy Mount Of Precipice will include 2,000 rooms in 10 hotels.

    The complex is planned as a city within a city, in keeping with the character of the existing town and with adequate parking spaces. A promenade will link the complex to the Mount.

    The buildings within the complex will be between 4-5 stories high. Following the topographical line of the hill upon which it is to be built, the complex will encompass gardens and pools, with a network of paths overlooking Nazareth and its surrounds.

    The complex has been designed and approved in accordance with Nazareth Town Plan 4070/c.

    Detailed plans for the various plots of land, including guidelines as to the character of the project, proposed programmes and building parameters for each plot have been drawn up. Individual planning of each hotel must be carried out in a manner appropriate to the general character of this unique complex.

    The plots of land will be leased to investors by the Israel Land Authority, the owners of the land. Infrastructure development will be carried out by the Israel Land Authority.

    complex chart

    At first stage , the Israel Land Authority will lease 4 plots as follows:
    Plot No. 3 :

    Designated purpose vacation hotel , medium to high standard
    Area of plot13,400 sqm.
    Permitted percentage of construction- 160% 21,454 sqm.
    Service area - up to 15% of the main area 3,218 sqm.
    Overall building area 24,672 sqm.


    Plot No. 11 :
    Designated purpose vacation hotel , medium to high standard
    Area of plot7,900 sqm.
    Permitted percentage of construction- 160% 12,640 sqm.
    Service area - up to 15% of the main area 1,896 sqm.
    Overall building area 14,536 sqm.

    Plot No. 12 :
    Designated purpose vacation hotel , medium to high standard
    Area of plot10,271 sqm.
    Permitted percentage of construction- 160% 16,434 sqm.
    Service area - up to 15% of the main area 2,465 sqm.
    Overall building area 18,899 sqm.



    Plot No. 13:
    Designed purposevacation hotel , medium to high standard
    Area of plot14,538 sqm.
    Permitted percentage of construction- 160%23,260 sqm.
    Service area - up to 15% of the main area 3,489 sqm.
    Overall building area 26,749 sqm.





    Note:

    The centrality of plot 3 necessitates the construction of a tourist center offering commercial and tourism facilities, a hall for conventions and exhibitions, as well as facilities for sport and leisure activities that will serve the whole Complex. In the commercial part of the plot, it will be possible to establish relevant tourist enterprises such as a market, souvenir shops, a bank, coffee house and a communication center.
    The historical core

    The historical core, mainly the restored old market, is being, visited daily by thousands of tourists. So, turning some of the old buildings into coffee houses or restaurants, will be a very sound investment, especially, that the old market lacks such these tourist facilities, at present. For the tourist coming to feel and touch the oriental atmosphere, walking through such charming arcades, will be an unforgettable experience.

    Some of the conserved houses with the very charming painted ceilings, may be turned into beautiful tourist hospices, to serve individual tourism.

    So, the historic core provides plenty of investment opportunities which can be exploited, to attain fair and fast returns.
    HOW to invest in Nazareth


    The following will help you to bring your investment into reality.



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    a) Investment in the Hotel Complex:

    The 4 plots, will be sold by a tender, but companies, of which 51% or more of it's holdings, are under foreign control, are allowed to purchase the plots directly from the Israel Land Authority.

    In order to achieve an " Approved Enterprise " status, you should apply to the Ministry of Tourism. The application will include basic plans and an economic study for the your project.

    Before you start planning your project, it is recommended to consult ate The City Planning Department, so your plans will be in accordance with Nazareth Town Plan 4070/c.
    Learning The Town Plan 4070/c, will help you recognize any special conditions or specific requirements of the chosen plot.

    A basic chart of your project should be delivered to the Planning Dpt. for approval.
    When the basic chart is approved, you may proceed with the detailed planning. These plans, when ready, are to be delivered to The City Engineer for licensing.


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    b) The Historic core

    If you choose to make your investment in the historic core region, The Conservation and Antiquities Department in Nazareth municipality, has prepared for you detailed lists for most of the old buildings and houses that might be exploited.


    Supportive Departments

    The " Nazareth 2000 Project " is co-managed by the Nazareth Municipality and The Government Tourist Company. The managing department is responsible for developing the infra structure in the city.
    You may contact the " Nazareth 2000 Managing Department ", in order to learn more about the development projects, and this may help you plan your investment in accordance.

    For your convenience, the Nazareth Municipality established recently an Economic Department which, provides you with any information needed.

    After learning of your project, the Economic Dpt. will help you:


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    For further details - please contact :
    Economic Division,
    24 King George St.
    Jerusalem , Israel.
    Tel : 972-2-6754811
    Fax : 972-2-6249693