Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has instructed Tourism Minister Yariv Levin and Transport Minister Yisrael Katz to examine the implications of allowing casinos in Eilat, Channel 10 reports. This is not the first time that such a proposal has been made but previous plans have not materialized.
At this stage, there are no operative plans for a casino in the Red Sea resort. But proposals include setting up a casino on the vacated land from the airport, or in one of the city's hotels.
However, Levin told "Yediot Ahronot" that he has reservations about casinos. "My concern is that a casino will become a magnet for the underworld and a place where people would lose everything. It is clear that we need to find solutions for increasing the number of tourists to Eilat and there are not enough attractions in the city. I'm not looking to increase the number of tourists by 5% but attractions that will change the face of the city. But if the price of a casino is that the region will attract crime, it's preferable that there won't be one."
Israel Hotels Association president Eli Gonen said, "Yes to a casino but only as part of a large conference center as recommended 20 years ago when Uzi Baram was Tourism Minister. A casino would give economic justification to a large, independent conference center. Only in this way would the city of Eilat and the State of Israel profit from an increase in tourism."
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on September 27, 2015
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