Palestine is blessed with many special holy places, and the tourism they attract is a hugely important economic resource and vital instrument for preserving Palestinian culture. But unprecedented obstacles erected by Israel threaten Palestine's efforts to develop the sector.
BETHLEHEM – At this time of year, billions of people around the world turn their gaze to Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Palestine is blessed with many holy places and relies heavily on religious tourism, not only as a source of economic and cultural capital, but also as an important part of its struggle for liberty and a vital instrument in preserving Palestinian culture and heritage. But, even though Palestine passed the three-million tourist mark in 2019, and that record is expected to be broken again this coming year, unprecedented obstructions, from Israeli settlement building to onerous travel restrictions, threaten to derail this progress.
BETHLEHEM – At this time of year, billions of people around the world turn their gaze to Palestine, the birthplace of Jesus Christ. Palestine is blessed with many holy places and relies heavily on religious tourism, not only as a source of economic and cultural capital, but also as an important part of its struggle for liberty and a vital instrument in preserving Palestinian culture and heritage. But, even though Palestine passed the three-million tourist mark in 2019, and that record is expected to be broken again this coming year, unprecedented obstructions, from Israeli settlement building to onerous travel restrictions, threaten to derail this progress.