After more than a decade of stagnation, neglect, and a decline in tourism, Tiberias is taking small steps toward a renewed awakening. One of the city’s most iconic attractions, the Tiberium, is returning to operation after years of being inactive following the severe storm that hit the city in 2013.
The Tourism Ministry, in cooperation with the Tiberias Municipality and the Government Tourism Company, announced last week the completion of the project’s restoration – a spectacular orchestral water show that will once again adorn the Yigal Alon Promenade and become one of the city’s symbols.
The Tiberium, located at the southern end of the promenade, offers an exceptional audiovisual experience featuring dynamic water fountains, video projections on the water, music, and special effects. The fountain is built on a 40-meter-long platform positioned on columns within the Sea of Galilee and is set to illuminate the city’s skies again in the coming weeks.
The Tourism Ministry invested NIS 8 million in restoring the project, while the Tiberias Municipality contributed NIS 2 million. Every evening, four different shows will be performed on the hour, providing an experience that combines art, technology, and scenery. In addition to contributing to tourism and visitor experiences, the project is expected to give an economic boost to local businesses.
The Tourism Ministry sees significant tourism potential in Tiberias and its surrounding areas, and accordingly, it operates according to a strategic plan for the city’s development, which includes various projects in the marina area, along the Yigal Alon Promenade, in the city garden, and more.
Haim Katz, the Tourism Minister, said: “The Tiberium is a beloved symbol of Tiberias, which we have upgraded for the benefit of the city’s residents and visitors. In recent years, The Tourism Ministry has invested over 164 million NIS in developing tourism in the city and NIS 8 million in the project that brings color back to the Alon Promenade with a unique experience. We will continue to develop infrastructure that enhances the tourist experience in Tiberias and strengthens the local economy.”
Elad Erenfeld, CEO of the Government Tourism Company, added: “We are proud to take part in restoring one of Tiberias’ most prominent and beloved symbols – the Tiberium. This is a special project that combines art, technology, and a unique landscape, reflecting the spirit of Tiberias as an open and welcoming tourist city.”
Yossi Naba'a , Mayor of Tiberias, said: “The Tiberium is a flagship project of the city of Tiberias and will once again serve as an economic driver. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to visit the Alon Promenade each year and enjoy four different and diverse audiovisual shows every evening. It was important for us to advance the restoration of this tourism project as quickly as possible.”