With the constant stream of news stories focused on the violence in Palestine, it might seem incredible that tourists could be considering it as a destination, but Dr. Khouloud Daibes, Palestinian minister of tourism and antiquities, claims that increasing numbers of tourists are coming to Palestine once again.
“This October alone over 40,000 bed nights were recorded in Palestinian hotels indicating more than a 350 percent increase from October of the previous year,” said Dr. Daibes.
According to the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA), just over 145,000 tourists visited Palestine in October 2007, with more than 94,000 tourists coming to Bethlehem. Similarly, Jericho and Ramallah as well as other cities have also recorded increases in visitors and overnight stays in 2007.
To help fill the need for a tourism destination marketing portal, Alternative Business Solutions, a Ramallah-based Marketing and Communications Company, has launched www.visitpalestine.ps. The site makes available a wide selection of information and imagery from across Palestine. New photographs plus fresh and updated travel information including descriptions for all the major Palestinian cities, towns and villages are presented within the site. Moreover, the many religious, archaeological, historical and natural treasures Palestine has to offer are also highlighted. Customized trip planning options, tourism maps, downloadable city guides are only some of the many additional features for visitors planning their trips to this destination.
“We hope this site will reach the world and provide a platform for people to learn about Palestine, to explore its many treasures, and to plan and book their trip to our beautiful and hospitable destination,” said Sami Khoury, founder and manager of visitpalestine.ps and GM Alternative Business Solutions.
Khoury advised that while visitpalestine.ps is owned and operated by Alternative Business Solutions, and hence does not represent the Public Sector or Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the company is very involved and experienced in the Palestinian tourism industry.
“We want people to know that regarding the safety situation in Palestine, the majority of Palestine is definitely safe to visit,” Khoury said. “Currently Gaza is not accessible nor safe for tourists, but the main West Bank cities and attractions such as Bethlehem, Jericho, East Jerusalem and Ramallah are all safe and open to tourists.”
