{"id":52450,"date":"2025-12-04T22:16:11","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/52450\/"},"modified":"2025-12-04T22:16:11","modified_gmt":"2025-12-04T22:16:11","slug":"foreign-diplomats-tour-bethlehem-voice-support-for-reviving-palestines-tourism-sector","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/52450\/","title":{"rendered":"Foreign Diplomats Tour Bethlehem, Voice Support for Reviving Palestine\u2019s Tourism Sector"},"content":{"rendered":"

BETHLEHEM, West Bank \/ PNN \/<\/p>\n

The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities organised a tour on Tuesday in Bethlehem for members of the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine, aiming to brief them on conditions in the governorate amid Israeli occupation measures and on Palestinian efforts to revive and develop the tourism sector as a key tool for promoting Palestinian culture and strengthening the local economy in Bethlehem and across Palestine.<\/p>\n

Several foreign diplomats expressed support for the Palestinian people, stressing the importance of enhancing cooperation through the development and expansion of tourism programmes. They also encouraged their citizens to visit Palestine \u2014 including Bethlehem and its historic sites \u2014 describing the city as calm and fully prepared to receive visitors.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The tour, which included dozens of diplomats and representatives of international institutions, featured stops at the Walled-Off Hotel, the Palestinian Heritage Museum, the Church of the Nativity, Star Street and the Saint Elias Hotel. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Hayek, Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia, and Bethlehem Mayor Maher Qanawati accompanied the delegation, briefing them on the ministry\u2019s and private sector\u2019s efforts to attract tourism groups from around the world and to strengthen direct cooperation between Palestinian tourism institutions and their counterparts abroad.<\/p>\n

Palestinian Tourism Minister Hayek highlighted the ministry\u2019s international outreach efforts to reaffirm that Palestine is ready to welcome visitors from all countries. \u201cBethlehem in particular, and Palestine in general, are safe and fully prepared to receive tourists from across the world,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Hayek said the ministry is working to restore tourism activity to its pre-crisis levels, noting that Palestine remains a beacon for travellers from diverse backgrounds. \u201cBy visiting Palestine, tourists can learn the truth about the Palestinian people \u2014 a hospitable nation rooted in this land and in its history,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n

He also briefed diplomats on the importance of the tourism sector to Palestine, describing it as one of the pillars of the national economy, a major source of national income, and a primary livelihood for many Palestinian families, as well as Palestine\u2019s gateway to the world.<\/p>\n

For his part, Bethlehem Governor Mohammad Taha Abu Alia underscored the significance of the tourism sector as an essential platform for presenting the history and identity of the Palestinian people to the world.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

He praised the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for enhancing Palestine\u2019s presence on the global tourism map, saying the sector plays a vital role in conveying the Palestinian narrative and showcasing success stories that reflect the resilience of Palestinians and their attachment to their land and heritage.<\/p>\n

Bethlehem Mayor Maher Qanawati reaffirmed the city\u2019s readiness to welcome tourists from all corners of the world, noting that the people of Bethlehem warmly receive visitors and tourism groups. He thanked the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities for its efforts to promote the Palestinian tourism sector internationally.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

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