2013年-世界发展银行全球_Experiential_Tourism_in_Palestinian_Rural_Communities___Abrahams_Path_4页_803kb

MENA Knowledge and Learning: Experiential Tourism in Palestinian Rural Communities - "Abraham's Path"

Core Content

The document discusses the potential of experiential tourism, particularly "Abraham's Path," as a tool for economic development in Palestinian rural communities. It outlines the broader context of the Palestinian economy, the state of the tourism industry, and the strategic importance of developing experiential tourism to promote employment, especially among women and youth, and to diversify the economic base.

Main Points

• Economic Context of Palestine:
  The Palestinian economy remains heavily reliant on foreign aid due to years of conflict, occupation, and insecurity. The public sector is the largest employer, and the private sector's role in driving economic growth is limited. Youth unemployment in the Palestinian territories reached 32% in 2012, and women's labor force participation is lower than the MENA average (16% vs. 26%).

• Tourism in Palestine:
  The tourism industry in Palestine has the potential to become a viable and independent destination due to its religious, cultural, and historical attractions. However, it is not fully developed across the value chain, leading to revenue leakages. The number of foreign tourists increased from 2 million in 2010 to a record high, but most overnight stays are concentrated in the Bethlehem area.

• Value Chain of Tourism:
  The tourism value chain includes primary (direct expenditures by tourists), secondary (intermediaries like travel agents), and tertiary (suppliers like agriculture and construction) levels. To compete regionally, Palestine needs to diversify its tourism offering and promote its cultural, historical, and natural resources.

• Palestinian Tourism Strategy:
  In 2010, the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) launched a national strategy aimed at promoting Palestine as a safe, hospitable, and independent destination. The strategy emphasizes increasing visitor numbers, diversifying visitor types, and expanding the geographical spread of tourism across the West Bank.

• Experiential Tourism:
  Experiential tourism combines adventure and community-oriented travel, offering opportunities for employment across various skill levels. It can be particularly effective in rural areas where traditional tourism is not present. The document highlights the economic benefits of such tourism, such as the support of 168 full-time jobs and US$5.4 million in revenue from Scotland's 'West Highland Way' trail.

• Abraham's Path (Masar Ibrahim al Khalil):
  Abraham's Path is a walking and cultural tourism route that follows the footsteps of Abraham/Ibrahim across the Middle East. It is a key initiative in promoting experiential tourism in Palestine and is managed by an international NGO, the Abraham's Path Initiative (API), in collaboration with local partners. The Palestinian segment of the Path passes through 13 communities and villages in areas A, B, and C of the West Bank, from Nablus to Hebron.

• Impact of Abraham's Path:
  The initiative targets underprivileged rural communities with limited infrastructure. It aims to support job creation, reduce poverty, empower women, integrate conflict-affected populations, and build social cohesion across areas A, B, and C. It also seeks to develop tourism infrastructure to attract more visitors and increase their spending in rural areas.

Key Information

• Abraham's Path:

  • Currently spans 114 miles (182 km) in Palestine.
  • Passes through 13 communities and villages in the West Bank.
  • Involves homestays, local guiding, and cultural experiences.
  • Includes sites linked to Abraham, such as Tel Sheva and Tel Arad in Israel.
  • Promotes interaction between Jews and Arabs in the region.

• Economic Potential:
  Experiential tourism can contribute significantly to the local economy by creating jobs and increasing spending in rural areas. It is particularly well-suited for women and youth, who can be employed in roles such as guiding and hospitality.

• Need for Investment:
  Strategic investments in vocational training, language skills, and work-readiness programs are essential to capitalize on the employment opportunities offered by experiential tourism.

Conclusion

The document emphasizes the importance of experiential tourism, especially through initiatives like Abraham's Path, in fostering sustainable economic growth and development in Palestinian rural communities. It highlights the need for both public and private sector collaboration to diversify the tourism offering and create employment opportunities for women and youth, ultimately contributing to poverty reduction and social cohesion.