Travel & Encounter: Transforming Tourism into Advocacy
Holy Land Trust’s Travel & Encounter program invites international visitors to immerse themselves in the daily life, history, and culture of Palestine. Through carefully designed experiences, participants engage directly with local communities, gaining firsthand insight into the resilience, challenges, and aspirations of the Palestinian people.
This is more than just a visit—it is a journey of learning, connection, and transformation. Travelers return home as advocates for peace and justice, equipped with personal stories and deeper understanding to share with their communities.
A Leader in Responsible Tourism
Holy Land Trust is a founding member of the Network for Experiential Palestinian Tourism Organizations (NEPTO), which brings together 18 local organizations dedicated to ethical, community-based tourism development in Palestine. This network ensures that tourism directly benefits Palestinian communities, supports local businesses, and challenges mainstream narratives by offering authentic, firsthand experiences.
Our Unique Approach to Travel
The Travel & Encounter program is designed to bridge the gap between international visitors and Palestinian communities, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration. We offer:
• Tailor-Made Tours – Custom experiences ranging from one-day visits to multi-week journeys, tailored to meet specific interests, including cultural immersion, political education, historical exploration, and adventure tourism.
• Homestays & Community Engagement – Stay with Palestinian families, share meals, and experience daily life firsthand.
• Fact-Finding Missions – Meet local communities, organizations, and individuals to hear personal stories and gain an in-depth understanding of the realities on the ground.
• Ecological & Hiking Tours – Discover Palestine’s natural beauty through hiking, camping, and eco-tourism, learning about local biodiversity, land preservation, and sustainability.
• Cultural & Culinary Experiences – Engage with Palestinian culture through traditional music, food, and storytelling, while supporting women-led initiatives and family-run businesses.
Tourism as a Tool for Healing & Development
At Holy Land Trust, we believe that travel is a form of healing. By creating safe spaces for Palestinians to share their dreams, challenges, and daily realities with visitors, we cultivate cross-cultural solidarity and mutual empowerment.
Tourism also serves as a tool for community development, empowering local entrepreneurs and small businesses. Our program actively supports:
• Women’s initiatives, such as cooking experiences where travelers share meals with local families.
• Guest homes in rural villages, providing travelers with alternative accommodations beyond traditional hotels.
• Small businesses and artisans through fair trade and ethical tourism practices.
Join Us on a Journey of Discovery & Connection
Since its launch in 2000, the Travel & Encounter program has welcomed over 50,000 visitors, including university groups, faith communities, activists, and individuals from around the world.
Are you ready to experience Palestine differently? Whether you are looking for a spiritual pilgrimage, an in-depth political and historical tour, or a cultural immersion experience, Holy Land Trust will design a journey that is deeply personal, educational, and transformative.
Contact us today to plan your visit and be part of a movement that turns tourism into solidarity and storytelling into action.
