São Paulo – For the first time ever, Palestine will take part in World Travel Market Latin America, one of the world’s leading tourism industry events, in São Paulo from April 4 to 6. The goal is to advertise the Middle Eastern country in Brazil and nearby countries.
The Arab country’s delegation is being organized by the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and it will comprise several local tour operators. The country’s government intends to increase visitor numbers by 10% this year.
“We will invite professionals and the public to visit Palestine and see countless pieces of religious, historical, and archaeological heritage in its famous cities: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho, Ramallah, Hebron, Nablus, and Gaza. We want them to come and enjoy the fine Palestinian cuisine, and experience the cordiality and hospitality of the Palestinian people,” the Ministry’s Marketing director Majed Ishaq said in a press release issued by the expo’s organizers.
Palestine welcomed 2.2 million tourists in 2015, and 2.3 million in 2016. The bulk of tourists were from Russia, the United States, Romania, India, Poland, China, Germany, Indonesia, Korea, Ukraine, Italy and Egypt.
“In spite of the difficulties and the challenges, Palestine’s tourism industry is growing year after year. Tourism makes up over 20% of GDP and accounts for roughly 30,000 jobs. Total tourism revenue in 2016 exceeded USD 1 billion,” said Ishaq.
By joining the expo, the Palestinian delegation also intends to improve the country’s image as a tourist destination, to get in touch with tour operators, and to contemplate global industry trends.
“Palestine is a safe country because our people respect and welcome tourists,” he claimed.
The World Travel Market Latin America is having its fifth edition this year. In 2016, it brought together 9,000 industry executives from across the region, with over USD 370 million in new deals made.
Quick facts:
World Travel Market Latin America
April 4 to 6
Expo Center Norte
Rua Jose Bernardo Pinto, 333 – Vila Guiherme – São Paulo
Register free of charge at http://latinamerica.wtm.com/pt-br/Visitar/Inscreva-se/
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
