Bethlehem Municipality Welcomes ITUC General Secretary and Signs Agreement to Protect Tourism Sector and Support Workers

Bethlehem Mayor Mr. Hanna Hanania and members of the Municipal Council welcomed Mr. Luc Triangle, General Secretary of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), and his accompanying delegation on Monday, October 12, 2026. The meeting was attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Secretary-General of the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions Mr. Shaher Saad, several heads of local authorities, and representatives of official, security, and civil society institutions.

The visit began with a tour of the Church of the Nativity, during which Mayor Hanania accompanied Mr. Triangle and his delegation. The delegation then proceeded to Bethlehem City Hall, where a meeting was held in the Municipal Salon to discuss the city's current situation and the challenges it faces, particularly the decline in tourism and its impact on the local economy, tourism workers, and tourism-related businesses.

Mr. Triangle emphasized Bethlehem's global significance as a religious and cultural destination and its symbolic role in promoting peace and understanding among peoples. He stressed the importance of supporting the city and encouraging the return of tourism.

Following the meeting, a press conference was held during which Mayor Hanania reaffirmed Bethlehem Municipality's commitment to preserving the city's identity and heritage, revitalizing its local economy, and supporting its tourism sector.

He explained that this role is further strengthened through the Municipality's responsibility for the Joint Services Council for Tourism Development in Bethlehem Governorate, which promotes coordination and collective action across the governorate.

Mayor Hanania emphasized that protecting tourism in Bethlehem is inseparable from safeguarding its architectural heritage and historical identity. He noted that preserving this heritage requires keeping it alive through visitors and pilgrims, while supporting workers, artisans, businesses, and local communities whose livelihoods depend on tourism.

He added that the objective extends beyond increasing visitor numbers to restoring employment opportunities, income, and economic activity in the city. He expressed hope that the agreement would mark the beginning of a partnership that could develop into more specific initiatives and programs.

For his part, Mr. Shaher Saad highlighted the importance of Mr. Triangle's visit to Bethlehem and his firsthand understanding of the challenges facing the tourism sector and its workers.

He emphasized the potential role of the ITUC's international network in bringing the situation of Palestinian workers to global forums and encouraging the international trade union movement to visit Palestine and Bethlehem.

Mr. Saad also praised Mr. Triangle's supportive positions toward Palestinian workers and his efforts within international trade union organizations. He reaffirmed Palestinian workers' right to decent work, social justice, and a dignified life, emphasizing the importance of continued international solidarity amid rising unemployment and declining employment and income opportunities.

In his remarks, Mr. Triangle conveyed greetings from more than 200 million members represented by the ITUC across 170 countries. He expressed his strong sense of connection to Palestine and Bethlehem, affirming that the difficult circumstances facing Palestine would not diminish the spirit of its people and cities.

Mr. Triangle stated, "The Star of Bethlehem will shine again," expressing confidence in the return of tourists, employment opportunities, and economic activity to the city.

He also referred to the widespread solidarity with Palestine that he has witnessed during visits to different countries. He emphasized that peace is closely connected to social justice, decent work, fair wages, and appropriate working conditions, reaffirming the international trade union movement's continued support for Palestinian workers.

Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Hani Al-Hayek emphasized that tourism in Palestine is not merely an economic activity but an essential part of the country's national, historical, cultural, and religious identity, as well as a bridge connecting peoples.

He highlighted Bethlehem's exceptional significance as the birthplace of Jesus Christ and a major destination for pilgrims and tourists from around the world.

Mr. Al-Hayek noted that the Palestinian tourism sector has faced significant challenges in recent years, affecting hotels, restaurants, travel and tourism agencies, tourist transportation, handicrafts, traditional industries, and sector employees.

These challenges have resulted in job losses, declining incomes, and increasing difficulties for many businesses in maintaining their operations.

He expressed hope that the agreement and the ITUC's international network would help strengthen global solidarity, encourage tourism and pilgrimage visits to Palestine, and support the sector's recovery.

At the conclusion of the press conference, an "Agreement on Principles and Solidarity to Protect the Tourism Sector in Palestine and Support Its Workers" was signed between the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Bethlehem Municipality, the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions, and the International Trade Union Confederation.

The agreement aims to strengthen solidarity and cooperation to protect Palestine's tourism sector, support its workers, and preserve employment opportunities and livelihoods associated with tourism.

It also seeks to enhance international advocacy, encourage visits to Palestine, support the recovery and long-term sustainability of the tourism sector, preserve cultural heritage and tourism assets, and assist tourism businesses, artisans, traditional industries, and local communities connected to the sector.