The WB is assisting the Palestinian National Authority in enhancing the capacity of five urban areas (Nablus, Hebron, Bethlehem, Ramallah and Gaza City) to plan for sustainable urban growth through the Integrated Cities and Urban Development Project.
The purpose of the assignment is to formulate, through a community-driven approach and considering the impacts of Covid-19, a Sustainable Tourism and Visitor Economy Development Plan aimed to promote public and private sector investments in the visitor economy within the Bethlehem urban area, consisting of the municipalities of Bethlehem, Beit Jala, Beit Sahour, Ad Doha, Al Khader and Artas. The target area includes two sites listed by UNESCO in the World Heritage List: “Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem” and “Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir”.
Activities include a background sectoral and urban analysis and a visioning and planning phase that will lead to the definition of a set of projects, programs and activities. It is expected that the implementation of the plan could lead to enhancing the area’s position as a tourism and visitor destination while preserving and enhancing cultural and heritage assets as well as promoting environmental sustainability.