The Role of Tourism in Palestine

Not only Israel, but Palestine, too, is home to various tourist attractions. However, the major share of tourist arrivals and tourism income goes to the Israeli tourism industry. If tourism is to have positive effects in conflict regions, there is a need for conflict-sensitive corporate social responsibility, says Susanne Fischer. She illustrates some of the problems faced by tourism service providers in Palestine, but also opportunities in the sector.

Tour operators are encouraged to select not only Israeli, but also Palestinian hotels, to visit sites in Palestine and to provide lunch or dinner at Palestinian restaurants. They should remind tourists that water is scarce in the region and needs to be used sparingly.

Susanne Fischer is a researcher on corporate social responsibility and global governance. In her forthcoming dissertation, she looks at the CSR activities of Palestinian and German tour operators.

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