Travel and Encounter: Transforming Tourism in Palestine
The Beginnings: A Journey with Purpose
Holy Land Trust (HLT) embarked on its journey in September 2000 by founding the Community Tourism Program. Its inaugural initiative was an ambitious recreation of the journey of the Magi from Persia to Bethlehem—a three-month trek designed to immerse participants in the cultural and social fabric of the region. Arriving in Bethlehem on Christmas Day, the travelers carried a powerful message: Palestine is more than just a biblical landscape; it is a living, breathing society filled with rich culture, art, and history.
This was only the beginning. Inspired by this transformative experience, Holy Land Trust established the Travel and Encounter Department, aiming to revolutionize tourism by offering deeper, more meaningful engagements with local communities.
Tailor-Made Customized Tours
HLT specializes in customized tours ranging from one day to two weeks, designed to meet the specific interests of travelers—whether they seek cultural immersion, historical exploration, adventure, or political education. These tailor-made experiences allow visitors to engage with local communities, stay with Palestinian families, and gain firsthand insights into daily life and socio-political realities.
Challenges and Resilience in Times of Crisis
The early years were far from easy. The Second Intifada (2000-2005) led to an Israeli-imposed closure of the West Bank, preventing tourists from accessing Bethlehem for nearly three years. During this period, global media coverage was overwhelmingly biased toward the Israeli narrative, leaving the world uninformed about the realities of Palestinian life.
Rather than halting operations, HLT took a bold step: inviting the international community to witness firsthand the struggles, hopes, and resilience of Palestinians. This effort laid the foundation for alternative tourism—an approach that goes beyond traditional religious and historical tours to include homestays with over 50 families, both Muslim and Christian, offering visitors an opportunity to share meals and experience daily life in Bethlehem. These encounters allow guests to understand challenges such as water shortages, movement restrictions, and economic hardships faced by Palestinian communities.
Fair tourism also plays a crucial role in this model. By prioritizing locally owned businesses, small family-run restaurants, and women-led cooperatives, HLT ensures that the economic benefits of tourism reach the communities most in need. Visitors are encouraged to support handmade crafts, traditional embroidery, and small-scale agriculture, contributing to the sustainability of Palestinian livelihoods.
Signature Experiences: Bringing Stories to Life
Among the most transformative experiences offered by HLT is the Taste of Palestine tour, where visitors travel across the West Bank, engaging with local families over traditional meals. These shared dining experiences become a space for discussions on land confiscation, water shortages, and the daily impact of Israeli settlements on Palestinian communities.
For those who seek a deeper connection with the land, Walk Palestine offers a unique journey through the hills and villages of the West Bank. This 12-day adventure combines hiking, biking, and camping, allowing participants to immerse themselves in Palestinian culture while cooking around a campfire and listening to stories from local guides.
In addition to these immersive tours, HLT is the driving force behind the Bet Lahem Live Festival, which brings together artists, musicians, and performers from across the world to celebrate Palestinian culture. Held annually in August—Bethlehem’s lowest tourist season—the festival transforms the city’s streets into a vibrant hub of creativity, fostering cultural exchange and supporting the local economy.
HLT also collaborates with organizations like Rebuilding Alliance to organize learning missions that bring students, activists, and professionals to Palestine. These missions provide firsthand exposure to the realities of occupation, displacement, and economic hardship, equipping participants with the knowledge and tools to advocate for justice upon returning home.
Economic Impact: Tourism as a Tool for Growth
HLT’s Travel and Encounter Department is not just about storytelling—it is about economic empowerment. By prioritizing homestays, fair trade, and locally owned businesses, HLT ensures that tourism revenues uplift communities rather than benefit large corporations. Some key initiatives include supporting local artisans by marketing their products internationally, challenging the monopoly of large souvenir shops, and encouraging entrepreneurship in tourism-related businesses.
A Call to Experience Palestine Differently
Through its unique travel experiences, Holy Land Trust has redefined tourism in Palestine. Visitors leave not only with historical knowledge but with personal connections, real stories, and a deeper appreciation of Palestinian resilience.
Since the inauguration of the Travel & Encounter Department, Holy Land Trust has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors—including university groups, church congregations, synagogues, families, individuals, and students. Our creativity in designing itineraries stems from our flexibility to tailor each tour to match visitors’ specific interests. Whether exploring the historical and political landscape of Palestine and Israel, engaging in cultural exchanges, or experiencing daily life in local communities, we ensure that each journey is a deeply personal and transformative experience.
For those seeking to truly understand Palestine, the Travel and Encounter Department offers more than just a trip—it offers a transformative experience that turns tourism into solidarity, and storytelling into action.
