NABLUS, August 22, 2017 (WAFA) – European Union (EU) Representative Ralph Tarraf, UNDP Representative Roberto Valent, together with Nablus Governor, Akram Rjoub, and mayor of Nablus, Adli Yaish, inaugurated on Monday the newly revitalized Khan al-Wakalah historical site in Nablus. It is estimated that around 40,000 local and international visitors are expected to visit the site annually.
"The historic sites in Palestine are not only important for their cultural and heritage values -some of them being designated as World Heritage - but also for their promising economic potential. Therefore, the EU is investing a total of 5 million Euros in reviving two Palestinian iconic sites: Khan al-Wakalah in Nablus and Maqam Nabi Mousa near Jericho," said Tarraf.
"As we celebrate the inauguration of Khan al-Wakalah, we are looking forward to see Palestinians and international tourists filling up these rooms and enjoying the chance to discover the hidden gems of Nablus," he added.
The project, which integrates socio-economic development with cultural heritage, has transformed the historic Khan al-Wakalah complex in Nablus into a tourist hub. Through the deployment of the first Public-Private Partnership model in the management and operation of cultural sites, 21 rooms were rehabilitated to be used as a boutique hotel and guest house, in addition to the 11 shops that were upgraded on location for serving the economic purposes of the compound.
Over 1,600 jobs were created during the implementation process and around 100 sustainable direct and in direct job opportunities will be created for the Nablus community as a result of the project.
In addition to rehabilitation works, support was also provided in the form of on-the-job-training and capacity development to the Municipality of Nablus and the private sector company in charge of managing the guesthouse, restaurant and shopping area of the Khan.
Valent highlighted the importance of revitalizing Khan al-Wakalah historical site in creating new job opportunities for young men and women and creating a new enabling economic environment at Nablus City.
"Tourism is a lever for sustainable development. This project is a result of a fruitful partnership between the EU, UNDP and various Palestinian institutions with the aim of contributing to economic growth, boost tourism, protect cultural heritage and activate Public-Private Partnership," he said. "This project is another way of translating the aspirations of the Palestinian people for a better future and improved livelihoods," he added.
The Khan al-Wakalah project is part of a Euro 5 million EU funded program, implemented by UNDP in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, local communities and other relevant stakeholders in the tourism sector. The program aims at supporting the development of cultural tourism in the State of Palestine, through the engagement of the private sector through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). The two sites targeted by this pilot initiative are Khan al-Wakalah in Nablus and Maqam Nabi Musa in the Jericho governorate.
The event, which took place at Khan al-Wakaleh historical site, showcased folk dance performances and live music, sampling of Palestinian traditional food and a tour around the site.
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