Bethlehem 2000 -From Bethlehem, the city of the Nativity and the city of Hope, we extend a message of love and peace to people around the world on the occasion of Christmas.

From this sacred land, we carry the voice of Palestine, the hope of its people, and their unwavering determination to uphold life, dignity, and resilience despite pain and adversity.

Tourism in Palestine represents one of the most important pillars of the national economy. It provides employment opportunities for our people and plays a vital humanitarian and cultural role, serving as a window through which the world can encounter Palestine and gain a deeper understanding of the daily reality endured by our people as a result of the ongoing occupation and its military measures.

Despite this harsh reality and the restrictions and challenges it imposes, the Palestinian people have succeeded in transforming tourism into a genuine success story. This achievement has encouraged the private sector to increase its investments in this vital industry, particularly in the hotel sector. Even during periods when tourism activity came to a halt, construction and development did not stop especially in Bethlehem Governorate. Today, fifteen hotels are under construction, with an estimated capacity of approximately 1,632 rooms and a total investment of around 78 million US dollars, reflecting strong confidence in the future of Palestinian tourism.

Tourism in Palestine is not merely an economic activity; it is also an arena of steadfastness and peaceful struggle. Through tourism, we reaffirm our commitment to preserving Palestinian cultural heritage and tangible historical assets, asserting Palestine’s rightful place on the global tourism map as an independent destination, and conveying the authentic story of Palestine to the world through visitors and pilgrims.

We also extend an open invitation to the world to visit Palestine. Visiting the Holy Land is not only a spiritual journey, but also a meaningful act that contributes to fostering peace and supporting the Palestinian economy and local communities. Through presence, encounter, and solidarity, tourism becomes a bridge toward justice, hope, and a more peaceful future.

On this blessed Christmas, we reaffirm to the international community that Palestine, despite its wounds, continues to embrace life, extend its hand in love and peace, and work tirelessly toward the return of inbound tourism.