Tourism Minister Yitzhak (Buzi) Herzog’s first visit after assuming office was to the Central Arava. He and a team of aides, including representatives of the Government Tourism Corporation, were welcomed by Regional Council Head Lilach Morgan, Development Corporation Director Gilat Livni and Development and Tourism Director Gil Slevin. Together, they toured the Faran Observation Point, examined construction and development at Tsukim (the newest settlement in the Arava) and ended the visit on Moshav Hazeva, with a visit to guesthouses run by second-generation Arava resident Neil Ozer. Various regional needs were mentioned during the tour, such as encouragement of investment in tourism, key infrastructures and budgetary assistance. The Minister informed us that no budget had been approved to date but promised that the issues would be examined in a positive and encouraging light, indicating that we certainly gained an attentive ear and that our special needs were understood.

About three weeks later, we welcomed another significant visitor, Minister of the Interior Avi Dichter, who met with 200 Arava residents, to learn about the region and its particular needs.