BETHLEHEM, October 12, 2026 (WAFA) – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Hani al-Hayek discussed with General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Luc Triangle ways to protect Palestinian workers in the tourism sector, strengthen cooperation to safeguard workers’ rights, and preserve their jobs amid the challenges facing the sector.
The meeting was held on Monday at the headquarters of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Bethlehem, in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, Shaher Saad.
Al-Hayek stressed the importance of Palestinian labor across various sectors, particularly tourism, noting that tourism in Palestine is not merely an economic activity but an integral part of Palestinian national, historical, cultural, and religious identity. He described it as a bridge between peoples and a means of introducing the world to Palestinian civilization, heritage, and humanitarian message.
He explained that the Palestinian tourism sector faces serious challenges due to crises, attacks, restrictions on movement and travel, and closures, which directly affect tourism establishments, hotels, restaurants, tourism and travel agencies, tour guides, workers in tourist transportation, handicrafts and traditional industries, as well as local communities that rely heavily on the sector for their livelihoods.
Al-Hayek stressed the need to intensify efforts to protect tourism workers and support their resilience amid these difficult conditions, thereby preserving jobs and sustaining tourism activity in Palestine.
For his part, Triangle underscored the importance of supporting Palestinian workers and safeguarding their rights and jobs. He affirmed the ITUC’s readiness to provide possible forms of cooperation to support Palestinian workers amid the difficult circumstances and challenges facing the region.
Saad, in turn, stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination between the State of Palestine and the ITUC to protect workers’ rights and preserve their jobs and livelihoods. He called for intensified international and trade union efforts to support Palestinian workers and strengthen their resilience, particularly those employed in the tourism sector, who have been severely affected by the decline in tourism activity and restrictions on movement and travel.
Following the meeting, a field tour was organized, including visits to the Church of the Nativity, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities’ Narrative Museum, Bethlehem Municipality, Shepherds’ Field, and the Banksy Museum. Triangle was briefed on the main tourist and archaeological sites that distinguish Palestine in general and Bethlehem in particular.
At Bethlehem City Hall, al-Hayek, Triangle, and Saad signed a declaration of principles and solidarity to protect the tourism sector in Palestine and support its workers, in the presence of Bethlehem Mayor Hanna Hanania.
The agreement affirmed that tourism is an essential component of the Palestinian people’s historical, cultural, religious, and civilizational identity, as well as a vital sector of the national economy and an important source of employment and income for thousands of workers and their families.
It also highlighted Palestine’s unique tourism assets, including religious, archaeological, historical, cultural, and natural sites, historic cities and towns, handicrafts, traditional industries, and other elements of tangible and intangible heritage.
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