Several initiatives are being taken to promote tourism in Lakshadweep, including construction of additional rooms and plans afoot for a big airport, with the archipelago being discussed across the world after the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, its administrator Praful Patel said on Monday. During his visit to Lakshadweep on January 2, the PM had said the Union Territory was “full of many possibilities” and had asserted the Union government was “working with full commitment for the development of the entire Lakshadweep, including Agatti.”
Several photographs and videos the PM shared with netizens highlighting the pristine beauty of the island drew immense praise.
“The kind of inquiries the Lakshadweep administration is getting after the prime minister’s visit is unbelievable. People from all over the world are expressing the desire to visit the island. This will give a big boost to its economy and generate opportunities for locals,” Patel said here.
“The natural beauty of Lakshadweep carries immense possibilities for development of the tourism sector. The administration has launched several initiatives, including adding more rooms. The islands will also get a big airport soon,” he added.
In a separate post supporting the CEO, Prashant Pitti, Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip issued a video on social media declaring that the EMT will no longer accept travel bookings for the Maldives and instead, it will redirect its focus to promoting Lakshadweep and Ayodhya, emphasising the potential of these destinations and pushing domestic tourism in India.
Patel, who is also the administrator of the UT of Dadra and Naga Haveli and Daman and Diu, said it was unfortunate Lakshadweep had not been developed properly and works done in the past had failed to meet the expectations of the public. “After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, Lakshadweep is being discussed not just in India but all over the world,” Patel said.
Work on construction of water villas in Suheli and Kadmat had begun and 225 rooms were being built, while a plan to add 1,000 new accommodation is in the pipeline, he said.
“At the moment there is a small airport. Looking at this, the prime minister has directed us to work towards developing a proper airport. We have submitted proposals for the airport to the Union government. We have leant that a big airport will be constructed in Lakshadweep very soon,” Patel told PTI.
Incidentally, three deputy ministers of Maldives used disparaging comments against Modi for his post on ‘X’ following his visit to Lakshadweep, inferring it was an attempt to project the Union Territory as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.
Deputy ministers in the Maldives government’s youth ministry, Malsha Shareef, Mariyam Shiuna and Abdulla Mahzoom Majid, have been suspended over their posts, as per media reports from that nation.
Patel said Indian tourists have to spend in dollars when visiting Maldives, while in Lakshadweep they would be spending in rupees.
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Global hospitality giant, BWH Hotels, takes a major stride towards consolidating its position in South Asia through a strategic partnership with Sorrel Hospitality. The move aims to fortify the presence of World Hotels, BWH’s luxury brand, in the vibrant markets of India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
BWH Hotels said it is set to write a new chapter in its journey. Leveraging the expertise of Sorrel Hospitality as its master franchisee in the region, BWH Hotels is poised to expand its footprint in the dynamic South Asian market with a specific focus on elevating World Hotels in key destinations.
The strategic move follows BWH Hotels’ landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, emphasising the company’s dedication to delivering luxury accommodation and elevated guest satisfaction across diverse landscapes in South Asia.
Larry Cuculic, President and Chief Executive Officer, BWH Hotels, expressed his commitment to the initiative, “With a dedicated focus on enhancing the presence of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, we are committed to elevating the standards of luxury accommodation and guest satisfaction. This move, fueled by the landmark acquisition of World Hotels in 2019, underscores BWH Hotels’ unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional service and creating unparalleled guest experiences throughout the diverse landscapes of South Asia.”
The 320-room hotel integrates Colombo’s spirit and cultural richness into its ambience, making it the perfect for both locals and tourists to work, meet and relax. Within a 2 km distance are renowned landmarks such as Gengaramaya Temple and Viharamahadevi Park, while the historic Independence Memorial Hall lies just a 10-minute drive away.
Ron Pohl, President of International Operations and of World Hotels, added, “I am delighted to announce a strategic leap that signifies a remarkable chapter in our journey. Partnering with Sorrel Hospitality, our esteemed master franchisee, we are poised to extend our influence in the dynamic South Asian market.”Atul Jain, COO- India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka, BWH Hotels, shared his enthusiasm about the expansion, “We are thrilled to embark on this exciting journey of expansion of World Hotels in India, Bangladesh & Sri Lanka. These countries hold immense potential in the luxury hospitality sector, and this strategic move is a testament to our dedication to enhancing the presence of World Hotels in this region.”
As BWH Hotels takes this significant step, it invites guests, partners, and stakeholders to anticipate a transformative era in hospitality.
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In the run-up to the big-ticket final clash between India and Australia in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at Narendra Modi Stadium in Gujarat on Sunday, Akasa Air issued a travel advisory saying that due to airspace closure at Ahmedabad, flights arriving and departing from the city may experience delays.
“Due to airspace closure at Ahmedabad on 19th Nov 2023, between 13:15 hrs and 14:10 hrs on account of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 finals, flights arriving and departing from Ahmedabad may experience delays,” the airline posted on X.
“Also, in anticipation of heavy road traffic due to fans travelling to the match venue, we recommend that you plan for extra travel time and reach the airport at least 3 hours prior to the departure of your flight,” it said.
Air fares from Hyderabad to Ahmedabad have surged as cricket fans from Hyderabad are traveling to Ahmedabad to watch the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final. The price of tickets has increased to INR 40,000 ($540) on Saturday, compared to the usual INR 6,000-7,000 ($80-$94) fare. Airlines have taken advantage of the high demand and increased flight charges.
“In view of the above, if you choose not to travel due to the above, you may rebook on an alternate available Akasa flight, at no additional cost, for travel within the next 7 days, by calling our Akasa Care Centre on +91 9606 112131,” it added. India and Australia will lock horns in the final of the ICC Cricket World Cup at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on November 19. India will be looking to lift the trophy for the third time while the Aussies will be looking forward to making it their sixth title win.
India squad: Rohit Sharma (C), Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, Shardul Thakur, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj, Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami, Ravichandran Ashwin, Ishan Kishan, Prasidh Krishna, Suryakumar Yadav.
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (C), Steve Smith, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Sean Abbott, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, David Warner, Adam Zampa, Mitchell Starc.
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In the ever-evolving landscape of global tourism, some iconic landmarks continue to captivate travellers worldwide. Among these timeless treasures, the Taj Mahal, nestled in the enchanting city of Agra, India, continues to shine as a symbol of rich history and enduring love.
The recently released landmark rankings for 2023, based on a comprehensive analysis of several factors by Bounce, have reaffirmed the Taj Mahal’s enduring popularity. Despite the slight dip in its score compared to the previous year, the Taj Mahal proudly claims the second spot among the world’s most beloved landmarks.
The Taj Mahal received a landmark score of 7.60, signifying its unwavering appeal to tourists and travellers. The ivory-white marble mausoleum, erected in 1648, is a testament to love, housing the tombs of the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Its architectural grandeur and historical significance have earned it a well-deserved spot as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983.
For travellers seeking a glimpse into India’s rich heritage, the Taj Mahal remains a must-visit destination. Its timeless beauty and historical significance continue to inspire awe, making it an iconic symbol of the country’s cultural and architectural richness.
Google searches and visitor number
Between August 2022 and July 2023, the Taj Mahal garnered an impressive 22 million searches on Google, indicative of its sustained popularity. Additionally, the Taj Mahal welcomed over 3.3 million visitors in 2022, testifying to its timeless allure and cultural importance. Notably, it holds a perfect 5/5 rating on Tripadvisor, a testament to the remarkable experiences it offers to those who visit.
Global ranking?
Although the Taj Mahal slipped slightly in score compared to the previous year, its standing as the second most beloved landmark in the world is a testament to its enduring charm. Only Niagara Falls managed to surpass it in the rankings, securing the top spot with a score of 9.45.
Indians have emerged as the second largest group of overseas visitors to the United States this summer, despite long wait times for visa interviews and high airfares. Canada was the largest source of visitors to the US, followed by India. However, Canada and Mexico remain the top two source markets for visitors arriving by all modes of travel.
Other best-loved landmarks worldwide
The global rankings for the world’s best-loved landmarks offer a diverse mix of iconic destinations. In addition to the Taj Mahal, the top 10 includes:
1. Niagara Falls, United States & Canada: Securing the top position for the second consecutive year with a landmark score of 9.45.
3. Grand Canyon, United States: Holding the third spot with a landmark score of 7.57.
4. Big Ben, England: Standing at fourth place with a score of 7.31.
5. Golden Gate Bridge, United States: Gracing the fifth place with a score of 7.26.
6. Burj Khalifa, United Arab Emirates: Ranking sixth with a score of 7.2.
7. Eiffel Tower, France: Securing the seventh spot with a score of 7.08.
8. Statue of Liberty, United States: Standing at eighth place with a score of 6.69.
9. Machu Picchu, Peru: Holding the ninth spot with a score of 6.07.
10. London Eye, England: Completing the top 10 with a score of 5.79.
Research methodology
To compile these rankings, a comprehensive list of 128 famous landmarks was initially narrowed down to the top 50 landmarks. Tripadvisor ratings and annual Google search volume data were collected on 5 September 2023.
The number of posts on Instagram and the number of views on TikTok were determined by using each landmark’s hashtag, with data collected on 6 September 2023. Entry fees were gathered and rounded to the nearest currency unit.
Visitor numbers for 2022 were collected, and revenue estimates were calculated by multiplying each landmark’s entry fee by the number of visitors. All factors were ranked and assigned normalised scores out of 10 to determine the overall scores.
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Saudi Arabia announced its plans to bid to host the 2034 World Cup, the latest step in a campaign to turn the kingdom into a global sports powerhouse.
The bid “intends to deliver a world-class tournament and will draw inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s ongoing social and economic transformation and the country’s deep-rooted passion for football“, said a statement from the Saudi Arabian football federation.
News of the bid comes one year after neighbouring Qatar hosted the first World Cup in the Middle East, where the Saudi national team scored a stunning group stage victory over eventual winners Argentina.
The Saudi announcement came an hour after world football’s governing body FIFA released a statement giving its plans for the 2030 World Cup and inviting countries in the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to bid for 2034.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering implementing a visa system that would allow residents to travel easily to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia. The proposed system aims to facilitate free movement within the bloc and could be introduced in the near future. Currently, foreign residents in the GCC countries often require visas to cross borders, while citizens of the bloc can travel freely.
On the heels of the Qatar tournament, Saudi Arabia signed Cristiano Ronaldo to play in the Saudi Pro League, the first in a slew of major stars drawn by eye-watering salaries to the world’s biggest crude oil exporter.Sport is a major component of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 reform agenda, which aims to transform Saudi Arabia into a tourism and business hub while transitioning the economy away from fossil fuels.
Spending spree
In the coming weeks, the kingdom is set to host the final LIV Golf League tournament of the regular season, a boxing match featuring Anthony Joshua and the Next Gen ATP Finals tennis tournament.
It will also host the FIFA Club World Cup in December.
Earlier this year Saudi Arabia was confirmed as host of football’s 2027 Asian Cup.
That event will enable Saudi officials to improve on existing football infrastructure, with new “world-class stadiums” constructed “in the most sustainable ways”, Saudi football federation president Yasser Al Misehal said on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia previously explored a tri-continental World Cup bid with Egypt and Greece, though that plan has been shelved.
This collaboration will help unite both private and public sectors in a concerted effort to create a sustainable framework for growth. Additionally, it seeks to promote community empowerment and inclusion while jointly addressing crisis preparedness, management, and recovery, drawing from the valuable lessons learned during the Covid-19 pandemic
The new Saudi-only bid means fans would face “maximum three-hour flying times between cities and stadiums”, Misehal said.
Riyadh’s willingness to spend hundreds of millions of dollars on sporting events has drawn accusations of “sportswashing”, using sport to distract from oft-criticised human rights abuses.
In an interview with Fox News last month, Prince Mohammed dismissed those attacks, saying “I will continue doing sportswashing” if it will benefit the Saudi economy.
Prince in spotlight
Hosting the World Cup would ratchet up scrutiny of the 38-year-old de facto ruler, who critics accuse of consolidating power through a fierce crackdown on dissent, including one recent case in which a retired teacher was sentenced to death for critical social media posts.
Prince Mohammed told Fox he was “ashamed” of that verdict.
Like Qatar, Saudi Arabia would take heat for outlawing homosexuality and for its treatment of migrant workers, said Kristin Diwan of the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.
“Still, there is a growing sense of inevitability to the emerging centrality of the Gulf region to the sport,” she said.
World Cup-related construction could also draw a backlash from environmental activists who sounded the alarm last year after Saudi Arabia was awarded hosting rights for the 2029 Asian Winter Games, a 47-event competition to be held in Trojena, an area of the planned $500 billion futuristic megacity known as NEOM.
At the time, Greenpeace questioned how plans for Trojena — including a man-made freshwater lake, chalets, mansions and ultra-luxury hotels — could possibly be sustainable.
But Riyadh would be keen to use the World Cup as a showcase for various natural attractions, dispelling the notion that Saudi Arabia is one giant desert.
Misehal, the football federation president, said on Wednesday that fans would be drawn to “our mountains, our islands and of course our culture”, adding: “Everything will be connected with state-of-the-art facilities to guarantee an amazing fan experience.”
The Asian Football Confederation came out in support of the Saudi 2034 World Cup bid shortly after it was announced on Wednesday.
“The entire Asian football family will stand united in support of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s momentous initiative, and we are committed to working closely with the global football family to ensure its success,” said AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
The Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also called on its 57 member states to back the bid.
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) launched its inaugural World Sustainability Symposium (WSS) in Madrid, Spain, with a primary focus on the critical steps required to achieve the aviation industry’s ambitious commitment to achieving net-zero carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by the year 2050.
The WSS serves as a platform for key decision-makers from across the aviation industry, along with regulators and the financial sector, to collaborate and develop solutions necessary to achieve this ambitious sustainability goal. The symposium underscores the industry’s commitment to addressing climate change and reducing its environmental impact in the years to come.
“Air travel demand shows that we all want a world where we can fly and do so while reducing our carbon footprint. Sustainability is the industry’s greatest challenge, and we are not shying away from our responsibilities. Our commitment to net zero CO2 emissions by 2050 is firm,” said Willie Walsh, IATA’s Director General.
“The WSS will allow participants to focus on the same mission, with ambition and urgency, to build momentum to reach our goal. We are here to share learnings, keep abreast of the pace of change, and adjust our work accordingly, while rallying governments and stakeholders to facilitate decarbonisation within the industry,” he added.
At the World Sustainability Symposium (WSS), several critical elements are under discussion to attain net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. These include climate impact mitigation strategies, where Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are anticipated to be the major contributor, making up 62 per cent of the efforts. However, despite high demand, SAF supply remains inadequate, presenting significant scaling challenges.
Experts at the WSS will explore solutions such as government policies to incentivise production, diversification of production methods and feedstocks, global frameworks for consistent SAF output, attracting investment, establishing a robust SAF accounting framework, and potential benefits from carbon capture and storage technologies.
As the world gears up to celebrate World Tourism Day, the global tourism sector is poised for a grand convergence, uniting under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”. The industry stakeholders and experts we reached out to, advocated the need to have a collective and coordinated approach involving governments, businesses, and stakeholders, besides, the need to have more local community involvement.
Additionally, the symposium will examine broader strategies like hydrogen or electric-powered aircraft and ongoing efficiency improvements in airframe and engine technologies. Collaboration’s role in value chains is also a key focus, reflecting the industry’s diverse approach to mitigating environmental impacts. This encompasses addressing non-CO2 impacts like contrails and eliminating plastic from aircraft cabins.Also, the WSS places a spotlight on tracking progress towards the net-zero target. IATA member airlines committed to achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 in 2021, and in 2022, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted a similar goal for international aviation. However, the symposium acknowledged the absence of a concrete plan for monitoring and tracking progress at the industry level. WSS will aim to develop a consistent methodology and reporting mechanism, accounting for various decarbonisation levers such as SAF, next-generation aircraft, infrastructure enhancements, operational improvements, and carbon offsetting/removal of residual emissions.
Lastly, key enablers for this transition to net-zero include globally aligned strategic policies and collaboration between governments and industry stakeholders, mirroring successful energy transitions like renewable energy. The symposium’s focus extends to the pivotal roles of finance and policy in expediting progress while mitigating associated costs and investments necessary to enable this energy transition.
According to IATA, the WSS serves as a vital platform for addressing these multifaceted challenges and driving aviation towards its net-zero CO2 emissions objective by 2050.
Hinting that there is clearly no time to waste, Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Chief Economist acknowledged that WSS aims to identify areas for concrete action that can accelerate aviation’s transition to net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050.
“This is a tough and dynamic challenge, and no single action is going to provide a magic solution on its own. Instead, we need to move forward on all fronts simultaneously, and this will require a unique level of collaboration across all parts of our industry, together with regulators and the financial sector. This is why the WSS and its future editions are of critical importance – allowing key decision makers, all necessary in aviation’s net-zero transition, to confront ideas and debate solutions so that we can make things happen, together,” said Thomsen.
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Finland has taken the global lead by unveiling the world’s first-ever digital passport. This innovation, in the form of a mobile app, lets travelers securely store and present their passport information on their smartphones, eliminating the need for carrying a physical document.
Launched on August 28, 2023, the initiative is a collaborative effort between Finland, Finnair, the Finnish police, and Finavia, the airport operator. This initiative aligns with a broader European Union (EU) plan to test digital passports in a bid to enhance travel technology and security measures.
The initial phase of the project involves travelers on select Finnair flights from Helsinki to the UK and vice versa. These travelers can register their digital passports at the Vantaa Main Police Station‘s license services. To participate, travelers are required to download the FIN DTC Pilot app, which utilizes facial recognition and biometric data to verify their identity.
Once registered, travelers can transmit their data via the app to the Finnish Border Guard within 36 to 4 hours before their scheduled departure. Upon arrival, they can use their smartphones to scan a provided QR code at the border control checkpoint. This approach is poised to expedite the travel process, making it not only faster but also more streamlined and secure, all while reducing the reliance on physical documents and minimizing human interaction.
The project is set to run until February 2024, during which it will be evaluated for its feasibility and user satisfaction.
Several other nations, including Poland, South Korea, the US, and the UK, are actively developing and implementing similar initiatives. Countries like Ukraine, Singapore, China, Estonia, and Israel have already introduced digital health or vaccine passports to facilitate travel, especially during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.
Gatwick Airport, the second-largest airport in Britain, found itself grappling with a significant challenge on Monday as it was forced to implement a temporary limit on its daily flight operations. The reason behind this unprecedented move was a severe shortage of air traffic control staff, primarily due to various illnesses, including the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
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While commemorating the World Tourism Day 2023, the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, orchestrated the global launch of ‘Travel for LiFE,’ a sectoral program falling under the ambit of Mission LiFE.
Collaborating with the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the launch ceremony was held at the newly built Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi today.
Speaking on the occasion, Minister of Tourism, Ajay Bhatt, asserted that Travel for LiFE underlines India’s commitment to the promotion of sustainable tourism, while he reiterated that the recent G20 Leaders’ Summit in New Delhi showcased India’s dedication to global unity and cooperation. These deliberations, he said, resonated with the collective global aspiration for a sustainable future.
“I urge every traveller, every business, and every citizen to adopt this program and pledge to travel responsibly, to respect our environment, and to understand and appreciate the diverse cultures that make our world so beautifully complex. The Travel for LiFE program, which is a part of Mission LiFE, sets out the path to a sustainable planet Earth,” he added.
Additionally, the minister highlighted India’s emergence as a prominent destination for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism, exemplified by the successful hosting of almost 200 G20 meetings across 60 locations. He also pointed out the world-class MICE facilities like Bharat Mandapam and the newly inaugurated Yashobhoomi convention center in Dwarka, are poised to bring in conference tourism from around the globe.
V. Vidhyavathi, Secretary of Tourism, emphasised that ‘Travel for LiFE’ seeks to encourage tourists to take actions that contribute to environmental conservation, biodiversity preservation, bolstering local economies, and safeguarding the socio-cultural heritage of local communities. It aspires to foster responsible resource utilisation among stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
In addition to the Travel for LiFE program launch, the event celebrated the announcement of the ‘Best Tourism Villages 2023.’ The Ministry of Tourism had initiated the ‘Best Tourism Village Competition‘ on February 16 to recognise and promote exemplary tourism villages across India. This initiative was accompanied by the unveiling of a new website dedicated to rural tourism promotion.
As the world gears up to celebrate World Tourism Day, the global tourism sector is poised for a grand convergence, uniting under the theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”. The industry stakeholders and experts we reached out to, advocated the need to have a collective and coordinated approach involving governments, businesses, and stakeholders, besides, the need to have more local community involvement.
The evaluation process for the Best Tourism Villages considered various parameters in line with UNWTO competition guidelines, encompassing Cultural and Natural Resources, Promotion and Conservation of Cultural Resources, Economic Sustainability, Social Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, Tourism Development, and Value Chain Integration. A total of 35 Rural Tourism Villages were recognised, distributed across Gold, Silver, and Bronze categories, with 5, 10, and 20 villages in each, respectively.
These distinguished villages were chosen from over 750 entries originating from 315 districts across 31 states and Union territories. A few recipients included Dawar village in Jammu and Kashmir, Sarmoli in Uttarakhand, Reiek in Mizoram, Kanthalloor in Kerala, Madla and Khokhara in Madhya Pradesh, Lepakshi in Andhra Pradesh, Sarodhadadar in Chhattisgarh, Kalpeni in Lakshadweep, Hemis in Ladakh, Pembarthy in Telangana, Cotigao in Goa, and Chitkul in Himachal Pradesh.
The Ministry of Tourism also announced the forthcoming edition of the Best Tourism Village Competition in 2024, underscoring its commitment to fostering rural tourism development.
In a video message, the ministry also articulated its vision to support and promote these rural tourism villages with a dual purpose: alleviating the strain faced by overcrowded cities due to excessive tourism and improving the quality of life for rural communities.
Further, a national competition titled Tourism for Tomorrow, focusing on case studies and best practices, was also inaugurated during the event, in line with the priorities outlined in the Goa Roadmap. These include encompassing Green Tourism, Digitalisation, Skills Development, Support for Tourism Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs), and Destination Management.
Additionally, the event featured the launch of several initiatives, including the Design Edible Cutlery Competition, Yuva Tourism Club Merchandise, and the Swachhata Campaign, spanning 108 tourism sites across India.
The Design challenge competition has been initiated for the Institutes of Hotel Management that are affiliated with the National Council for Hotel Management and Catering Technology (NCHMCT), operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. The competition aims to foster the creation of inventive solutions within the realm of edible cutlery and reduce the usage of plastics.
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India’s tangible heritage isn’t just a static display of the past, it’s a dynamic force driving the future of tourism. The country’s emphasis on preserving its tangible heritage goes hand in hand with responsible tourism. By promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations, we can ensure more equitable tourism growth, alleviating pressure on more popular sites and distributing economic benefits more widely.
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A UN conference voted September 17 to list prehistoric ruins near the ancient West Bank city of Jericho as a World Heritage Site in Palestine, a decision likely to anger Israel, which controls the territory and does not recognize a Palestinian state.
Jericho is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities on earth, and is in a part of the Israeli-occupied West Bank that is administered by the internationally recognized Palestinian Authority. The listing refers to the Tel es-Sultan archaeological site nearby, which contains prehistoric ruins dating back to the ninth millenium B.C. and is outside the ancient city itself.
The decision was taken at a meeting of the UN World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, under the auspices of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO.
UN cultural agency UNESCO announced Tuesday it was removing the fire-damaged tombs of royal leaders in Uganda from its endangered heritage list, voicing satisfaction with restoration efforts. Ahead of the decision, UNESCO had said removing the tombs from the endangered list would be a powerful symbol given that 50 percent of sites considered in danger are in Africa.
Israel quit UNESCO in 2019, accusing it of being biased against it and of diminishing its connection to the Holy Land. Israel also objected to UNESCO’s acceptance of Palestine as a member state in 2011. But Israel remains a party to the World Heritage Convention, and it sent a delegation to the meeting in Riyadh. Israel captured the West Bank, along with Gaza and east Jerusalem, in the 1967 Mideast war. The Palestinians want all three territories for their future state. Israel views the West Bank as the biblical and cultural heartland of the Jewish people.
There have been no serious or substantive peace negotiations in over a decade, and Israel is currently led by the most nationalist and religious government in its history, making any move toward Palestinian statehood nearly unimaginable.
The modern city of Jericho is a major draw for tourism to the Palestinian territories, both because of its historical sites and proximity to the Dead Sea. In 2021, the Palestinian Authority unveiled major renovations to one of the largest mosaics in the Middle East, in a Jericho palace dating back to the 8th century.
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