Moshe Ben Ari's Company Takes Over Gesher HaZiv Hotel, New $8M Facility Planned

The hospitality group 'HaChof Shel Moshe,' co-founded by singer Moshe Ben Ari, is expanding its hotel operations. The group, which already manages beach complexes in Eilat and Achziv, has signed an agreement to manage and operate the local hotel in Kibbutz Gesher HaZiv starting in late October. This move comes as the current operator, 'Travel Hotels' network, concludes its 20-year tenure at the kibbutz.

'Travel Hotels' is not leaving the Western Galilee region entirely. Instead, the network plans to invest approximately 30 million shekels (about $8 million) in a new hotel in Achziv. This new facility, slated to open by the end of 2027, will feature 76 accommodation units, including 48 hotel rooms, two villas, and 26 glamping units. It will also include a restaurant open to the public and a promenade overlooking the Achziv coastline.

The expansion into Gesher HaZiv is part of 'HaChof Shel Moshe's' broader strategy to deepen its presence in the Western Galilee, building on its existing ventures. The group's initial operations began at the "Dekel Beach" in Eilat, followed by an Achziv beach complex that was developed after the area, previously a military zone, was opened for tourism. Their portfolio also includes a restaurant, a resort village in Achziv, a franchise on the Kinneret, a hotel in Beit Oren, and a property in Crete.

'Travel Hotels' CEO and founder, Bat Chen, expressed gratitude to Kibbutz Gesher HaZiv for their long-standing partnership and stated that the significant investment in the new Achziv hotel demonstrates strong confidence in the area's tourism potential. The network views this as a significant transition after nearly two decades at Gesher HaZiv.