Tourism

Since the travels of the pilgrims in the Middle Ager up to the beginning of modern tourism Bethlehem has always been known for it’s hospitably.

In 1995 alone one million visitors came to the town, on an overage that means 50 touring busses per day. In spite of this great number the economic impact of tourism was no longer big since the visitor as a rule only spent 45 minutes in Bethlehem spending a much longer time in Israel. Until 1995 tourism depended completely on the Israeli occupation forces.

Since the beginning of the Palestinian autonomy Bethlehem has its own tourism administration which tries to revive the successful tourist tradition from the time before 1967 and the same time develops its own ideas like the project Bethlehem 2000, 30 years of Israeli occupation have caused great damage to the once thriving Palestinian tourist industry. As no permits were available no new hotels could be built, while at the same time hundred of hotels were erected on the Israeli side. The number of Palestinian tourism enterprises dwindled while there are twelve times more Israeli travel agencies than before. Through legal Restrictions the licenses of Palestinian tourist guides are lost when the guides are lost when the guides reach retirement age so that now there are only 50 of them. In Israel however 4000 tourist guided are employed.

Since 1995 some new hotels have been built in Bethlehem, in addition new travel agencies developed. The university of Bethlehem offers course in hotel management so that the new Generation will be able to revive the tourist business. Beyond that there are in the meantime very good courses for Palestinian travel guides which are needed in the future in large numbers.

The Project Bethlehem 2000 has mobilized resources to encourage a large flow of tourists and pilgrims. The restoration of the Manger Square is one of the attractions which are to make the stay of Bethlehem more pleasant for visitors. The touristic potential of the town is big enough to offer Israeli and Palestinians a chance to work together.

Mother of pearl and olive wood handicraft

The treatment of mother – of – pearl is one of the most successful (art) crafts in Bethlehem and its surroundings. Naturally this craft is not native to region. The material first came from The Red Sea and today is imported form New Zealand.

The technique was probably introduced by the Franciscans who in the 14th century asked artisans from Italy to come to the Holy Land. A Franciscan monk of the 16th century, Pater Bernard Amico was known for his miniature replicas of churches in mother – of pearl. Among the most important Objects made from mother – of pearl are rosaries, crosses

and jewellery boxes.

Carvings form olive wood are a more natural product of Bethlehem and the area around since there are many olive trees.

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