Survey: Interest in Tourism Destinations in Northern Palestine (ENGLISH)

Dear Tourism Professional,

HLITOA, the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association, a non-profit organization representing 50 Palestinian tour operators, is seeking your opinion about northern Palestine (the northern part of the West Bank), the area between Jenin, Nablus, Tulkarem and Tubas.

Northern Palestine is still a hidden jewel of the Holy Land, rich in history, culture, faith & spirituality. As a touristic destination, the geographic area is widely untouched waiting to be explored.

We are interested to learn more about your perception of the region and if you are already selling or planning to sell northern Palestine. But also, if you are (currently) not interested or able to sell it, we are interested in learning why.

If you have any questions regarding the survey, please do not hesitate to contact us: advisor@holylandoperators.com

Thank you for your help.

Please put an averange percentage of all your Holy Land bookings.

Mainly to individual travelers/FITs. Mainly to organized group tours.

Mainly to religious/faith-oriented tourists. Mainly to historically or culturally interested tourists. Mainly to tourists interested in hiking and other outdoor activities. Mainly to tourists interested in fact-finding or politics.

There is no demand from my clients’ side for this region. I did not know that it is possible to send groups/individuals to this region. I do not have enough information to promote it to my clients. I have reservations against the region due to the security situation. My local agent in Israel/Palestine does not offer tours/visits in this region.

Yes, I have heard of this. Yes, I have already accommodated my clients in northern Palestine. No.

Hotels. Tourism resorts. Guest houses. Homestays offered by local families.

Please put the name of the accommodation and where it is located.

Yes, and I regularly use it. Yes, but I rarely use it. Yes, but I never have used it for my clients. No.

Sebastia

Once a regional capital in the Late Iron Age, Sebastia is a hidden gem, peacefully sitting on the scenic slopes of the Nablus Hills. The Palestinian village is home to a large archaeological excavation including majestic Hellenistic fortification towers overlooking imposing steps leading up to a former Temple of Zeus.

Sebastia is a very holy site for Christians and believed to be the site of burial of St. John the Baptist (Neby Yahyah). According to the tradition, John's head was buried in a tomb, which is today located inside the village's main mosque, which was built as a Crusader's church in the 12th century. The mosque also features an archaeological museum with findings and information about the history of Sebastia.

(picture by Frits Meyst, (c) Masar Ibrahim)

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Burqin Church & Vicinity

The Orthodox Church of the Ten Lepers is located in the pictoresque village of Burqin, few minutes away from Jenin. The small church with is adjacent cave is believed to be the place, where Jesus cured ten men with leprosy as mentioned in Luke 17:11-19.

Burqin Church is claimed to be the 4th oldest church in the world, with its earliest structures dating back to the 4th century, not much later than the Church of Nativity (Bethlehem) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre (Jerusalem). Recently renovated, the church is a must stop on any pilgrims' travel between Nazareth and Jerusalem or Bethlehem.

In the vicinity, travelers can visit Jenin City Center with its lively market streets, Tel Dothan and Bal'ama Tunnel or make a brief stop at the Irqai Martyr Memorial in Qabatiya.

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Masar Ibrahim al-Khalil

The Masar Ibrahim Al-Khalil is a long-distance hiking trail extending from the village of Rummana in northern Palestine through Sebastia and Nablus to Hebron ("al-Khalil" in Arabic) and the village of Beit Mirsim.

The whole trail is about 330km long and can be hiked in its entire length in about 3 weeks; its 21 individual segments can also be explored on day-trips or combined with other hiking trails, such like the Sufi Trails around Ramallah.

The Masar Ibrahim was rated the #1 Best New Trail for the year 2014 by National Geographic.

(picture by Frits Meyst, (c) Masar Ibrahim)

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Nablus: Tel el-Balata

Nestled between the foots of Mt. Ebal and Mt. Garizim on an ancient trade route, Palestine’s second largest city is famous for its sweets, traditional olive oil products and its busy markets.

Beyond this, Nablus also host one of Palestine's most important archaeological sites: Tel el-Balata, the ancient biblical city of Shechem dating back to the early Iron Age. After extensive renovation, the archaeological park features a museum and an audio-visual show in addition to the excavations.

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Nablus: Mt. Gerizim & the Samaritans

Modern Nablus is enclosed by two high mountains, Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. The latter is home to the small community of Samaritans holding the mountain to be the highest, oldest and most central mountain in the world, regarding it as the 'true' Temple Mount - contesting the Jerusalem tradition.

The Samaritan faith dates back to Biblical times and is one of the oldest faiths in the world. Mt. Garizim is one of the two locations in the world, where Samaritans now reside.

On top of the mountain, extensive archaeological remains including fortified churches and a previous Samaritan temple can be visited. The Samaritan community also operates a heritage museum giving visitors an introduction to their faith and customs.

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Nablus: Jacob's Well

Jacob's Well is a deep well located in the lower floor of the Greek Orthodox St. Photini Church in Nablus city. For more than two millennia, the well has been associated with Jacob by Jewish, Samaritan, Christian and Muslim traditions.

The well is also associated with the conversation between Jesus and the Samaritan woman mentioned in John 4:5-6. The church and well are open to visitors and a regular stop in pilgrims' itineraries.

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Nablus: The Old City

Also known as "Little Damascus", the rich history of Nablus’ Old City can be felt in its seven quarters, representing a distinctive example of traditional Palestinian urban architecture and featuring 12 mosques, 2 churches, a Samaritan synagogue as well as a traditional Turkish Hammam and its vivid market streets.

Visitors should also not miss to experience Nablus' delights including the famous Kanafeh dessert, freshly made with Nabulsi cheese or Nablus' famous olive oli products.

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I would need (more) information about the region in general and its touristic offer. I would need (better) promotional material for the region and its touristic offer. I would need to travel to the region for myself and explore it.

Please put your suggestions or comments.

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