Operators resume trips to Bethlehem
Independent UK tour operators have resumed trips to Bethlehem following a decision by the Foreign Office to lift travel restrictions to the holy city.
The Foreign Office had issued warnings against travel to Palestinian cities, including Bethlehem, citing increased violence as a result of the conflict in Gaza.
It has now softened its stance but it is still advising tourists to be ‘extra vigilant and take great care’, especially around refugee camps and Israeli settlements.
John Tangney of Tangney Tours is in Bethlehem this week to meet with Palestinian Minister of Tourism Rula M’Ayah to seek assurances about the safety of bringing pilgrims and other tourists to Palestine, including Bethlehem and Jericho.
He will also be meeting the mayor of Bethlehem and is keeping other pilgrimage operators apprised of the outcomes of his discussions, said AITO.
The Association, which said it had been ‘in constant contact’ with the FCO over the past week, said talks in Bethlehem had so far been very positive.
"AITO hopes that its lobbying in this respect, combined with John’s sterling efforts on the ground, will benefit all travel companies (both AITO and non-AITO) offering Pilgrimage tours to the Holy Land," said a spokeswoman.
Pax Travel and McCabe Travel, both AITO members, are also offering trips to Bethlehem.
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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