Palestinian Tourism Minister Launches World Tourism Day Events in Bethlehem

Palestinian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek launched activities for World Tourism Day under the slogan "How Beautiful Our Country Is." The event took place at the archaeological site of Solomon's Pools in the village of Artas, Bethlehem Governorate. Attendees included the governor of Bethlehem, the mayor of Artas, the president of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the deputy mayor of Bethlehem, the general secretary of Caritas Jerusalem, representatives of private Palestinian tourism sector associations, and numerous other officials, national and local figures, journalists, and influencers.

The two-day World Tourism Day events include guided tours for Palestinian citizens from within Israel to various cities and governorates in the West Bank. The aim is to introduce them to tourist, archaeological, historical, and religious sites, and to foster connection and solidarity among Palestinians. Al-Hayek emphasized the importance of strengthening ties between Palestinians in the West Bank and those from within Israel, despite Israeli measures intended to separate them. He stressed the ministry's commitment to continuing and increasing these tours to introduce participants to Palestinian national history, cultural heritage, and the significance of its archaeological and tourist sites. He also highlighted the importance of marketing Palestinian cities and operating tourist facilities to boost the economy, particularly the hotel sector.

Al-Hayek noted that increased visits to archaeological and tourist sites help enhance their presence, protection, and preservation, while also stimulating tourism and supporting local communities. He explained that Solomon's Pools was chosen as the launch site due to its historical and cultural value and to draw attention to the dangers it faces from Israeli occupation and settlement policies. The governor of Bethlehem invited Palestinian citizens from within Israel to visit the governorate, highlighting its rich tourist, archaeological, historical, and religious sites. He stressed the role of these visits in revitalizing tourism and supporting the sector amidst significant challenges, including the halt in tourist movement.

The two-day program also features tours of historical, archaeological, and religious sites in Bethlehem and Hebron governorates, with participation from journalists and influencers. The goal is to showcase the tourism and heritage assets of both governorates, promote domestic tourism, support the tourism sector, and raise awareness of Palestinian archaeological and tourist destinations.