DEVELOPMENT PIPELINE: MIDDLE EAST
courtesy Dead Sea Valley Complex
The Dead Sea is one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water
Dead Sea Valley Complex Israel Opening: unconfirmed The Israeli government is planning to expand and upgrade the neglected Dead Sea resort area into “one of the world’s top tourism destinations.” The plan will include 5,000 hotel rooms on the shore of the Dead Sea – 3,500 new rooms and 1,500 renovated rooms – as well 56
spa business HANDBOOK 2019 – 2020
as a state-of-the-art spa, a visitor and information centre, conference centre, entertainment centre and promenade connecting the hotels, facilities and attractions. Nature, health and sustainability will be at the project’s core, and architect Moshe Safdie – who worked on the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore – is working to merge the new buildings into the unique landscape, and work with green and eco-friendly construction. The extensive public development of the Dead Sea Valley includes the
preservation and cultivation of the nearby springs of Rom, Zohar and Bokek. The heart of the complex will be accessible by foot, bicycle or dedicated shuttle only, creating a vehicle-free zone with the new promenade serving as a lifeline with bicycle trails, shaded rest areas with green trees, and a variety of restaurants and cafes. One of the world’s saltiest bodies of water, the Dead Sea has been attracting people for its health benefits for thousands of years. ■■ http://lei.sr/s2y4j_B www.spahandbook.com