The tourism industry may have taken a hit this summer with persistent rocket attacks from Gaza but David Fattal, CEO of the 32-strong Fattal hotel chain, says he’s going ahead with plans to open the new Ashdod Leonardo because he believes in Israel as a top travel destination.

In a report by Globes, Fattal was quoted as saying the hard-hit city of Ashdod could become the ‘southern Riviera’ in times of peace. “We believe in Israeli tourism and we will continue to invest here and bring tourists from Israel and abroad to the southern region. Ashdod has one of the most beautiful coastal strips in Israel and in a time of peace can become, like Ashkelon, the southern Riviera,” Fattal told Globes.

The Fattal chain invested $1.4 million in renovation costs of the 183-room hotel and plans to open the new place in time for Rosh Hashana. The hotel also includes a gourmet restaurant, swimming pool, business lobby, children’s club, spa and treatment room, banquet hall for 500, and three meeting rooms. (via Israel21c)

[Photo: vic15 / Flickr]