Bishop Iyad Twal received at the Bishop’s Residence an official delegation comprising H.E. Mr. Hani Al-Hayek, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of the State of Palestine; Mr. Jiries Qumsieh, Chief of Staff to the Minister; Mr. Michel Awad, President of the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association; and Mr. Elias Al-Arja, Vice President of the Arab Hotel Association. Also in attendance were Fr. Khaled Qamouh, Secretary General of the Diocese; Fr. Humam Khazouz, Judge of the Court of First Instance at the Ecclesiastical Court; and Fr. Issam Al-Zoumot.

During the meeting, which was marked by cordiality and mutual respect, the participants discussed ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of religious tourism and the support the Church can provide to revitalize this vital sector, which represents an important contributor to the Palestinian economy.

During the meeting, Bishop Twal emphasized that the Holy Land belongs to everyone. He affirmed that the doors of the Diocese are open to all pilgrims and visitors, regardless of their religious or national backgrounds, and that its mission is founded on coexistence, openness, and welcoming all those who come to this blessed land.

Bishop Twal expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities to advance the tourism sector. He also affirmed the Diocese’s continued readiness to cooperate with all official and civil institutions in ways that serve the Palestinian cause and support the shared journey of tourism and pilgrimage.

For his part, H.E. Minister Hani Al-Hayek praised the Diocese’s role in supporting religious tourism and preserving the Christian character of the Holy Land. He also expressed his appreciation for the meeting and the topics discussed, which contribute to the development of this sector.