Salfit: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek emphasized the significance of government initiatives to enhance field conditions in the tourism and cultural heritage sectors in Palestine through collaborative field tours with donors and international partners, focusing on Salfit Governorate.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the announcement was made during a government field tour conducted in Salfit Governorate. The tour included a ministerial and diplomatic delegation comprising Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Culture Imad Hamdan, UNESCO Representative in Palestine Karim Hendili, members of the European diplomatic corps, and Palestinian cultural and tourism associations. The purpose was to acquaint international donors and development partners with Salfit's cultural, tourism, and economic potential in heritage preservation, sustainable tourism, and local economic development.
The delegation reviewed ongoing efforts in heritage preservation, rural tourism development, community resilience, and private sector investment. They also examined the challenges faced by local communities and potential opportunities for future support and engagement by international donors.
The tour commenced with a meeting with Salfit Governor Major General Mustafa Taqatqa, followed by discussions with local community representatives, international partners, official institutions, and the private sector. The focus was on assessing the tourism sector in the governorate and exploring investment opportunities.
Minister Al-Hayek stated that these tours are intended to inform international partners about the tourism sector's prospects in Palestine and explore ways to enhance it. The goal is to protect tourist and archaeological sites by increasing the presence of citizens and visitors. He also mentioned ongoing efforts to develop Palestine's tourism and antiquities sector, aiming to attract tourists globally, thereby strengthening the Palestinian narrative and showcasing its rich cultural heritage.
Salfit Governor emphasized the importance of collaboration between official institutions, the private sector, and international partners in developing the governorate, despite challenges posed by Israeli occupation practices.
UNESCO's Director in Palestine, Karim Hendili, underscored the importance of joint cooperation with the State of Palestine in supporting the antiquities and cultural heritage sectors.
The ministerial delegation, along with local officials, international donors, and private sector representatives, met with Salfit Governor Mustafa Taqatqa and Salfit Mayor Diaa Bani Nimrah at the governorate headquarters. They were briefed on the political, economic, and development challenges, including colonial settlement expansion and movement restrictions impacting heritage and tourism development.
Governor Taqatqa invited the delegation, investors, and development funds to explore investment opportunities in Salfit's cultural and tourism sectors, emphasizing the readiness to cooperate with ministries to ensure a supportive environment for these initiatives. He noted that investment in Salfit is not only economic but also an investment in development, stability, and peace.
Minister of Culture Imad Hamdan highlighted the tour's aim to review the cultural, political, and economic challenges facing Salfit. He stressed the Ministry of Culture's commitment to strengthening partnerships with international donors and providing them with insights into the governorate's assets and potential.
Salfit Mayor Diaa Bani Nimrah expressed hope that the visit would serve as a milestone in strengthening cooperation and partnership, translating interest into projects that protect cultural heritage, develop the tourism sector, and bolster the local economy, positively impacting citizens' resilience.