Merage Foundation Israel
Agricultural fields in the Western Negev at sunset
A Merage Foundation Israel initiative

Agritourism
in the Western Negev

Transform the Western Negev into an international agritourism destination to promote demographic growth, economic prosperity and job creation.

Merage Foundation Israel

Long-term investment in the Negev — continuing Ben-Gurion's vision.

The Merage Foundation Israel is a private philanthropic foundation established by David and Laura Merage. Inspired by David Ben Gurion, since 1998, the Merage Foundation builds on the pioneering spirit, ingenuity, and unity of Israelis to ignite and scale a wide range of transformational programs in the areas of Negev Development, Aliya and Social Resilience.

Following the events of October 7, the Foundation decided to advance agritourism in the Western Negev as a sustainable economic sector and a source of quality employment for local residents.

A farmer holding fresh tomatoes
Our goal

Generate economic tourism momentum for agritourism sites in the Western Negev.

We focus on two complementary strategies — marketing and branding on one hand, and elevating the agritourism product on the other.

Marketing, promotion & branding
01

Marketing, promotion & branding

Positioning Western Negev agritourism as an attractive destination for visitors from Israel and around the world.

Elevating the tourism product
02

Elevating the tourism product

Professionalizing local businesses and training farmer-hosts to international standards.

So how do we do it?

Five complementary lines of action.

A community of agritourism hosts

Building a professional community across the Western Negev with ongoing mentorship.

Training & business support

Study tours, workshops and a continuous learning process, alongside strengthening the managerial, operational and business capacity of local ventures.

Infrastructure & signage

Supporting infrastructure, road signage and deepening the visitor experience.

Pooling resources

Connecting all regional stakeholders under one long-term umbrella.

Marketing & distribution

Setting up sales channels for the independent and organized markets.

Marketing & distribution channels

Reaching every audience — in the way that fits them.

Independent market

  • Exposure tours for influencers, journalists and digital content creators
  • Building digital platforms to promote agritourism
  • Road signage and wayfinding for ventures that meet quality standards
  • Membership cards and discounted entry benefits

Organized market

  • Exposure tours for organizers, agents and producers
  • Exposure tours for licensed tour guides
  • Exposure tours for welfare and HR managers
  • Sales promotion to the organized market via a dedicated professional
Agricultural landscape in the Western Negev
Get in touch

We'd love to collaborate to advance
agritourism in the Western Negev.

Dr. Shahar Shilo

Marketing Director, Merage Foundation

Aviv Jerbi

Western Negev Agritourism Manager