ABSTRACT
This study aims to explore and map opportunities for and barriers to sustainable tourism development (STD) at the Israeli Dead Sea region and the implications for health tourism. The Dead Sea region is one of the most distinguished and important tourism areas in Israel, it is also extremely sensitive to various kinds of development pressures. The opportunities for STD are based on the region’s physical characteristics and its attractiveness for tourism. The Dead Sea is the lowest point on earth, currently located 426 metres below sea level. It is the saltiest body of water in the world, rich with therapeutic minerals and is famous world wide as a health tourism destination. Lying in the heart of the Syrian-African Rift Valley at the southern outlet of the Jordan River, the Dead Sea region has an arid micro-climate: sunny all year round, with dry oxygen-rich air. The region itself contains pristine nature reserves with desert landscapes dotted with springs and lush ravines and is a home to unique flora and fauna. In the region are also famous heritage sites such as the baptism site of Jesus, Masada fortress (declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site), Qumran home of the Dead Sea Scrolls, among many more.
