tourism and the creative arts cluster, jerusalem - taj market... · 2016-10-09 · tourism and the...

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Tourism and the Creative Arts cluster, Jerusalem

Market Research and Tourism Package Development – International Market

FINAL REPORT

October 2015

PSDCP Tourism & Creative Arts cluster, Jerusalem Final Report (October 2015)

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List of acronyms

AFD Agence Française de Développement

AHA Arab Hotel Association

EMITT Eastern Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition

EU European Union

FIT Free independent traveller

FPCCIA Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture

HLITOA Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association

ITB International Tourism Bourse

JTC Jerusalem Tourism Cluster

LCC Low cost carrier

MoNE Ministry of National Economy

MoTA Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

NGO Non-government organisation

OIC Organisation of Islamic Cooperation

OTA Online travel agent

PalTrade Palestine Trade Centre

PCBS Palestine Central Bureau of Statistics

PCU Project coordination unit

PSDCP Private Sector Development Cluster Project

TAJ Tourism Arts Jerusalem cluster

TIC Tourist information centre

TIKA Türk Isbirligi ve Kalkinma Idaresi Baskanligi (Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency)

TÜRSAB Turkiye Seyahat Acentalari Birligi (Association of Turkish Travel Agents)

UNESCO United Nations Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organisation

UNWTO United Nations World Tourism Organisation

VFR Visiting friends and relations

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CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................................................................................................... 4

1 INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................................................................... 7

1.1 Background 7

1.2 Objectives 7

1.3 Research activities 8

1.4 Constraints 9

2 PACKAGING OPTIONS ........................................................................................................................................................... 10

2.1 New market research findings 10

2.2 Turkey 10

2.3 European Muslims and the Palestinian diaspora in Europe 11

3 KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN RESEARCH ............................................................................................................................. 14

3.1 Competitiveness 14

3.2 Day trip tourists 14

3.3 Branding 14

3.4 Culture and the Arts 15

3.5 Joint marketing 15

4 NEW PRODUCT PACKAGES ................................................................................................................................................. 16

4.1 The role of TAJ 16

4.2 Product package: Turkey – Muslim pilgrimage 16

4.3 Product package: Turkey – culture visitors (Ottoman heritage package) 19

4.4 Product package: Europe - cultural day tour options 24

4.5 Product package: Europe – Muslim visitors & Palestinian diaspora 26

4.6 Product package: Day trippers - walking tour options 29

5 HOW TO PROMOTE THE PACKAGES .................................................................................................................................. 31

5.1 Background 31

5.2 Pilot marketing 31

5.3 Joint marketing opportunities 32

6 CONTACT LISTS ..................................................................................................................................................................... 33

6.1 Turkey 33

6.2 European tour operators for Muslim & Palestinian travellers 36

6.3 Potential partners 57

ANNEX 1: List of TAJ members (October 2015) ........................................................................................................................... 60

ANNEX 2: Mission schedule ............................................................................................................................................................ 61

ANNEX 3: Ottoman Jerusalem 500th anniversary concept note ................................................................................................. 62

ANNEX 4: Outline for Memorandums of Understanding ............................................................................................................. 65

ANNEX 5: Method for developing a Cooperative Marketing Strategy for East Jerusalem ..................................................... 67

LIST OF TABLES

Table 1: Most popular Muslim travel destinations ................................................................................................................ 12

Table 2: Inbound tourism to Israel from main European markets ....................................................................................... 12

Table 3: Partnership marketing activity to promote packages in 2016 ............................................................................... 32


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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This report

Summarises the result of market research into two markets which have been agreed as

having potential for East Jerusalem: Turkey and Muslims with European passports (and the

wider Palestinian diaspora in Europe).

It provides contact lists in these key markets for tour operators to follow up.

It recommends possible ways forward for the marketing the product packages proposed.

TURKEY RESEARCH FINDINGS Travel trade research undertaken highlighted the following positive opportunities in this market:

frequent and relatively cheap air access,

interest in the Old City, Islamic holy sites, and Ottoman heritage,

a compatible product for Turkish visitors, and

positive interest in the Turkish travel.

Turkish tour operators do not have a very positive view of East Jerusalem’s hotel product however. They do not seem aware of improvements that have been made in East Jerusalem hotels and those interviewed were not aware of the recent Palestine-Turkey tourism cooperation agreement. TAJ could help tour operators and hotels to address this. Awareness of Jerusalem, compared with Mecca and Medina as a holy place to visit, appears less than expected in today’s secular Turkey, but this is a situation which could be changed. Tour operators predict a doubling of visitor numbers to 50,000 by 2020 if Turkish-Israeli relations remain stable. There is an opportunity to celebrate the 500th anniversary of Jerusalem becoming part of the Ottoman Empire in 1517: Turkish influence lasted until 1917. Ottoman heritage includes the City Walls, rebuilt by Suleiman the Magnificent, and many other sites. TAJ could facilitate the creation of a high level Jerusalem-Palestine-Turkish partnership to celebrate this event. Turkish clients generally wish to experience multi-cultural product while on holiday. EUROPEAN MARKET FINIDINGS European Muslim tourists (and Palestinians with European passports) also present an opportunity for East Jerusalem, but they are less easy to target. While most European Muslims live in Eastern Europe, the main visitor generating markets will be Germany, France and the United Kingdom (Europe’s largest economies). Many will be go-as-you-please visitors rather than tour groups. This trend will be further facilitated by significant increases in low cost carrier traffic that are predicted due to the signing of Israel’s Open Skies Accord with the European Union. In 2014 only 27% of European visitors came to Israel as part of an organised tour. Another trend is the gradual decline in the percentage of European visitors that are coming on pilgrimage. This is compensated for by a relative growth in cultural and sightseeing travel. TAJ can educate its members regarding these changes, highlighting the need to replace the traditional “inclusive package” with menu-based options that can be sold to higher paying individuals. European tour operators are increasingly relying on the Internet as their main marketing tool. This means that they are building databases of clients and, increasingly, offering them tailored holiday options to suit their individual interests. The simple sightseeing package, the “classic tour”, remains, but the local beneficiaries will be the larger, mostly West


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Jerusalem, hotels who can offer the most competitive prices. The opportunities for East Jerusalem most likely lie in those customers who are looking for tailored products and unique experiences. Day trippers are the largest volume of tourists to the Old City (most stay outside the walls) and there is an opportunity to sell a range and variety of pre-priced day tour options to them. Well-positioned TAJ booths to hire tour guides and buy day packages from is an opportunity identified. TAJ ACTIONS NEEDED TO FACILITATE THE PACKAGES TAJ alone cannot deliver the packages. Memorandums of Agreement with the representative organisations responsible for the private sector are urgently needed if progress is to be made in delivering packages. At present TAJ’s role vis-à-vis the private sector has not been clearly communicated. The Communications Strategy needs to address this. The following activities need to be prioritised.

A Memorandum of Agreement with the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association

(HLTOA) clarifying TAJ’s package development role and that of HLITOA is needed to secure

cooperation on marketing in Turkey and Europe. This should include a joint action plan.

A Memorandum of Agreement with the Arab Tour Guides Union clarifying TAJ’s role and that

of the Union is needed. This should include a joint action plan on intensive tour guide training

regarding new packages and Turkish and European Muslim visitors’ needs. Guides who

undertake intensive training and can deliver (future) TAJ brand values should be badged.

Longer term Turkish language training for tour guides is also needed.

A Memorandum of Agreement with the Arab Hotel Association (AHA) would also be

advisable. Training of hotels and restaurants regarding needs of Turkish visitors is already

planned and should be expanded.

An action committee needs to be set up to develop Palestinian Cultural Quarter and provide

more accessible cultural shows and regular events. It needs to be borne in mind that Turks

generally do not speak Arabic, so for cultural shows for this market the emphasis should be

on music, dance, and Turkish-speaking narration.

Discussions with Waqf regarding improving services at the Noble Sanctuary need to be

initiated if TAJ is to deliver a quality product for Muslims. This issue cannot be avoided.

Initiatives to raise retailing standards and service could be championed by TAJ.

Tour operators should be encouraged to develop walk-in offices from which day tour

packages could be sold. The Arab Tour Guides Union could also offer a direct hire-a-guide

service for walk-in visitors.1

TAJ guide-hire booths at City gates to cater for go-as-you-please day tour visitors is identified

and an opportunity. The identification of a company or organisation to coordinate the supply

of guides for a day tours service and run the booths could be followed up.

PROMOTING THE PACKAGES TAJ is not a marketing organisation and has insufficient financial resources for international tourism marketing: It is developing product for tour operators and tourism websites to sell. The cluster’s primary emphasis should be on the product development initiatives listed above. A Memorandum of Understanding is needed with the HLITOA to facilitate the effective marketing of packages. A number

1 It is noted that the Arab Guides Union and VisitPalestine are upgrading online information regarding accessing guides.

<http://www.visitpalestine.ps/guidelisting>


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of initiatives are recommended to test-market the pilot packages. Most of this activity should be delegated to HLITOA with TAJ concentrating its resources on product development. Joint initiatives are recommended as follows:

The Eastern Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition, Istanbul (January 28-31

2016)

ITB Berlin (9-16 March 2016)

Halal Tourism Conference, Istanbul (22-26 March 2016)

High level mission with HLITOA to Turkey’s Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı to request visits to

Jerusalem to be encouraged through mosques.

High level mission with HLITOA to Turkish Airways to encourage better quotas for Islamic

pilgrimage promotional fares to Jerisalem, and to encourage promotion of East Jerusalem.

Joint high level approach to the Turkish Cooperation and Development Agency Türk Isbirligi

ve Kalkinma Idaresi Baskanligi (TIKA) regarding promoting visiting Jerusalem to mark the

500th anniversary of Ottoman rule (2017).

Road show with HLITOA Jerusalem tour operators in Turkey in partnership with Turkiye

Seyahat Acentalari Birligi (TŰRSAB), the Association of Turkish Travel Agents.

Online travel agents such as VisitPalestine, and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism should

also be engaged as marketing partners.

In the longer term there is an opportunity for PSDCP to initiate the development of a Cooperative Marketing Strategy for Arab East Jerusalem, so that marketing initiatives can be better funded and coordinated. Listings of international tour operators in target markets for TAJ members to negotiate packages with also are outlined.


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1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background The Market Research and Tourism Package Development assignment: International Market, Tourism & Creative Arts Cluster, Jerusalem is part of the Private Sector Development Cluster Project (PSDCP). It is being implemented by the Ministry of National Economy (MoNE) and the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (FPCCIA). The project is funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD). The assignment relates to key objective 2 of the Tourism and Creative Arts Cluster Strategy, i.e.

to activate the tourism in Jerusalem through developing thematic tourist packages that contain various attractive cultural and touristic activities and programs that will raise the market share for the cluster. The Idea is to design unique packages for the cluster to target main potential international markets to attract to Jerusalem cluster, especially during the dead season with special prices and discounts as a result of cooperation between hotels , transportation companies , restaurants , souvenir shops and other facilities so a sustainable share for the cluster could be obtained. (PSDCP 2014).

PSDCP defines a cluster as a framework of organization between all enterprises belonging to the same value chain and the same geographical area, among themselves, and in relation with their local public environment; who implement collective projects aiming at developing their competitiveness through a professional coordination function.2

1.2 Objectives The PSDCP project’s overall objective is to contribute to the development of all targeted segments of a free competitive Palestinian economic system through cooperation between public & private sectors. Its specific objectives are as follows:

The Tourism and Creative Arts cluster (TAJ) is based in East Jerusalem (i.e. the Old City and its eastern hinterland, based on the 1967 border). The current list of TAJ members is attached at annex 1.

2 <http://www.pal-cluster.ps/>

STRENGTHEN COMPETITIVENESS

- grow market share

- grow market

IMPROVE PUBLIC-PRIVATE DIALOGUE

TEST CLUSTER CONCEPTS


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In this report the consultant is helping the cluster to develop a new tourism packages based on the research results, and recommendations are outlined on the appropriate way to promote these new packages in the identified target markets. The overall objective of the assignment was to assist the members of the Tourism and Creative Arts cluster in East Jerusalem through the provision of:

1. Relevant market research for the two international markets agreed with the cluster steering

committee (Islamic markets in Turkey and Europe). This was detailed in the phase 1 report

(September 2015) and is summarised briefly in this report.

2. Suggestions for touristic package development for the tourism and creative arts cluster so as

to penetrate (new) international markets. These were agreed in phase 1 and are expanded in

this report. The consultant also suggests potential joint ventures in the targeted international

market that could be considered as potential business partners3 in the designated market.

3. A list of potential business links in the targeted market.

Annex 2 outlines the consultant’s mission to Jerusalem timetable. Annex 3 suggests a new initiative for a high level organization to take forward and seek funding for to further Turkish market development. The consultant recommends the development of Memorandums of Understanding to clarify the role of TAJ with other tourism non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and representative associations with strong Jerusalem membership (e.g. the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association [HLITOA], Arab Hotels Association [AHA], Arab Tour Guides Union, etc.). A draft is attached at annex 4.

1.3 Research activities The following activities have been undertaken:

Briefing with cluster chainman and PSDCP.

Fieldwork and site visits to relevant tourism businesses including cluster and non-

cluster members to verify phase 1 findings.

Updating phase 1 research findings.

Researching marketing opportunities for the new product packages.

Development of new product packaging options for tour operators.

The consultant wishes to thank staff of the project coordination unit (PCU), the cluster chairman and members for their assistance throughout the project.

3 TAJ itself is not a legal entity and cannot sell a package: Business partnerships therefore refer to partnerships between

members (in particular member tour operators) and overseas market entities.


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1.4 Constraints PSDCP is due to end in July 2016, and tourism packaging requires a relatively long development timeframe involving creating awareness and engaging with tour operators. Developing Memorandums of Understanding is therefore an essential and urgent activity to ensure sustainability. These need to be developed with effective and active promotional organizations to take forward the follow up on new product packaging outlined in this report. Such organisations include the HLITOA, AHA, the VisitPalestine portal,4 the Jerusalem Tourism Cluster,5 the Palestinian Trade Centre (PalTrade), MoTA or other promotional organisations for Palestine. There is a need for TAJ to focus energies on destination management and product development issues, in particular facilitating dialogue, standards, brand values and communication through the cluster: Marketing starts with the product. New product recommended, such as Ottoman Heritage Tours and the Palestinian Cultural Quarter, will require a significant input to deliver before they are launched on the market. Formalized cluster structures also need to be put in place to actually deliver the destination management, product development and marketing initiatives recommended. Sub committees should be established to give the cluster its own internal dynamic. Subsequent marketing needs to be fully cooperative, i.e. undertaken in genuine partnership with cluster members, in particular with HLITOA. Annex 5 suggests a methodology for developing cooperative marketing. Chapter 5 outlines short term initiatives which might be undertaken during the remaining project period.

4 <http://www.visitpalestine.ps/> 5 NGO funded mostly by the European Union (EU)


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2 PACKAGING OPTIONS

2.1 New market research findings

This section briefly summarises the findings of the detailed Market Research Report (September 2015). Turkey and European Muslim markets were agreed to offer the best prospects for new growth. Travel trade research findings were based on a combination of desk and Internet research and telephone interviews in the target markets. The research took place in July 2015.

2.2 Turkey United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) statistics show that outbound tourism from Turkey has been steadily rising from 5,561,000 Tourists in 2009 to 7,526,000 Tourists in 2013. Jerusalem gets only 0.26% of the Turkish total outbound tourism.6 This figure alone reveals that there is should be considerable potential for increasing Turkish tourism to Jerusalem. Opportunities identified in the market research for Turkey were as follows:

Targeted marketing of potential themed packages to Turkish tour operators – best done by

HLITOA members and through Turkish-speaking in-market representation.

2017 will be the 500th anniversary of the start of Ottoman control of the city, which ended in

1917. Rising interest in Ottoman history in Turkey means that this anniversary could be used

to create a strong momentum for visiting Jerusalem.

Reviving the tradition of visiting Jerusalem to bless the Hajj. There is an opportunity to

develop a relationship with Turkey’s Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı to encourage visits to the city.

Presenting Arab East Jerusalem to the travel trade as an essential part of a wider multi-

religious product (Turks wish to see both sides of Jerusalem).

Focus on improving comfort, food and hygiene issues to improve competitiveness. and attract

more overnights to East Jerusalem.

Facilitate social marketing in Turkish. Encourage Jerusalem/Palestine marketing entities and

hotels to undertake website development in Turkish highlighting the aspects above.

Guide training, Turkish language training, and the marketing of guiding services.

Investment in professional marketing and further market research in Turkey.

Constraints which TAJ needs to focus attention on are as follows:

Accommodation – Turkish tour operators perceive a big difference is between East Jerusalem

and West Jerusalem hotels: They prefer to put their guests in higher standard hotels which

they believe are those in West Jerusalem. Tour operators interviewed commented that East

Jerusalem hotels abuse their locational advantage and invest insufficiently in their standards.

They are considered not to offer good value for money.7

6 Assuming 80% of the 24,000 Turkish visitors to Israel (2014) come to Jerusalem. 7 The consultant is aware that a number of East Jerusalem hotels have invested significantly in improving standards, offer good

food, and are well managed. None-the-less this message about improvements and investment does not seem to have been communicated effectively to Turkish tour operators.


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Guides - Well-educated guides with unbiased archaeology and history of religions

backgrounds are found very valuable. Difficulties were reported in finding such qualified and

specialized tour guides.

Culture – Cultural activities and places such as art galleries, music venues, etc. in East

Jerusalem are not much known about by tour operators in Turkey and not included in tour

programs. There would be interest if these were developed by TAJ. There is limited

awareness of Palestinian culture per se, other than political interest. Interest in culture is

general, but Turkish cultural visitors may find Palestinian music and crafts interesting. Cultural

shows introduced in Arabic will not appeal (few Turks speak Arabic), but music and dance is

appreciated.

There is growing interest in Ottoman culture (in particular architecture) in the former empire lands: Outbound tours from Turkey to Central Asia and the Balkans emphasize these links and increasingly include important Ottoman sites on itineraries. This is not well developed in current packages and tour programs to Jerusalem. It could be an important potential motivator.

Ground handling – Operators are aware that there are newly emerging tour operators

targeting Turkey from East Jerusalem for ground handling, and this is welcomed. More

cooperative marketing with Turkish partners would be welcome. There is no awareness of the

recent Turkey-Palestine Tourism Cooperation Agreement in the travel trade.

Access – Most Turkish tourists heading for Jerusalem go through Israeli passport and

customs control at Ben Gurion International Airport. Security standards here are high, not only

for Turks but also for everyone who arrives. Tour operators report that visitors with Saudi

Arabia stamps and some other Arab countries’ visas on their passports have to go through a

higher level of security and longer questioning, especially on departure. Most of Turkish

tourists on pilgrimage tours are previous Hajj visitors and most of them have Saudi visas on

their passports. This causes long delays for Turkish groups. This is a problem which has

negative implications for both East and West Jerusalem in terms of Turkish visitor feedback.

After the Mavi Marmara events, the number of Turkish tourists to Israel dropped to 15,050 in 2010 and just 14,024 in 2011. There has however been a steady growth since 2011 and outbound numbers reached over 24,000 in 2014. Tour operators expect that demand for Jerusalem will continue to increase in Turkey. Interviewees suggested that the number of visitors to Jerusalem by 2020 could reach 50,000 (regardless of minor political fluctuations) if there is no radical change in Turkish-Israeli relations. Assuming a 3.5 night average stay, this equates to 175,000 bed-nights. The ability of current East Jerusalem hotels to benefit from this growth is however severely constrained by limited room capacity at present (1,600 rooms of variable standard). One Turkish operator specifically mentioned that if they had the funding, they would invest in a hotel business near the Old City. Developing a Cooperative Marketing Strategy for Jerusalem in Turkey with partners would be a good next step.

2.3 European Muslims and the Palestinian diaspora in Europe Although most European Muslim’s live in the former Ottoman lands of Eastern Europe, in 2011 Germany, France and UK were in the top ten source countries for Muslim outbound tourism (excluding Hajj and Umra expenditure).8

8 Further information on European Muslin markets is available at: <http://www.pewforum.org/2011/01/27/future-of-the-global-

muslim-population-regional-europe/>


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Table 1: Most popular Muslim travel destinations

Top 30% of Muslim visitors

Next 30% of Muslim visitors

Next 20% of Muslim travelers

Saudi Arabia France China Malaysia Kazakhstan Jordan Turkey Singapore Egypt Russia Morocco Greece Iran United Arab Emirates Algeria Italy Kyrgyzstan Thailand Poland Tunisia Germany USA India Bahrain United Kingdom Spain Georgia Bulgaria Indonesia

Hong Kong

Source: MasterCard-Crescent Rating Because most Arab countries do not recognize Israel as a state, citizens of these countries are actively discouraged from making journeys to Jerusalem: These restrictions do not apply to Muslims based in Europe which has long ago normalized its relations with Israel. Consequently the main economies of Europe were selected as the target markets for packaging opportunities. Visitor numbers from the main inbound European Muslim markets are illustrated in table 3. Detailed country-specific information on Palestine/East Jerusalem arrivals is not available. France dominated inbound European arrivals in 2014, with Germany and the United Kingdom showing stronger growth. The UK has a strong currency and good access via both Tel Aviv and Amman.

Table 2: Inbound tourism to Israel from main European markets

Year France Germany United Kingdom

2014 301,000 196.000 197,000

2013 292,000 159,000 173,000

Feedback from interviewees suggests the arrival points for European visitors to Jerusalem can be varied. The majority come through Ben Gurion Airport, (according to Israel Ministry of Tourism 78% of all visitors to Israel in 2014 arrived by air); for longer Holy Land tours Allenby Bridge and to a lesser degree Aqaba/Elat can be utilized, based on the itinerary. European Muslims and those with family connections in Jordan often prefer to come via the Amman route, although the strong growth of low cost carrier (LCC) traffic to Tel Aviv will probably change this. According to Israeli Ministry of Tourism 2014 figures 27% of all visitors came as part of an organized tour, 10% on a package deal, and 63% came as FITs (frequent individual tourists). While many operators offer fixed itinerary tours, there is a growing trend towards customized itineraries that are adapted to suit particular interests and experiences as well as regions and destinations. While global and individual market research highlights the major trend in customization, the additional trend in airfares being purchased separately highlights the need for traditional operators and in particular ground handlers to adapt and offer more flexible options. Those that have adapted by offering customized tours and/or single/short stay tours to specific regions are reporting a positive return. Strong growth in independent travel is expected when the Israel-Europe Open Skies accord takes full effect in 2018. For Muslim visitors halal food is the most important factors when travelling for leisure, followed by the overall price and a Muslim-friendly experience: Research indicates that halal food availability is also one of the top reasons for selecting where to stay, along with a clean room and environment, friendly


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hospitality and service, central location to activities, prayer facilities, non-alcoholic environment, variety of food options, swimming facilities, amenities, parking and separate recreation services for women. Some countries have developed a Sharia-compliant hotel grading scheme. TAJ might consider developing a halal food certification scheme in the future, if resources could be secured: Support might come from Malaysia. Opportunities identified

Marketing to European tour operators appears to be a weakness at present. TAJ should

strongly support East Jerusalem ground handlers (tour operators) and hotels to get into these

markets more aggressively, and try to work closely with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism.

Create halal certification scheme, possibly on the Malaysian or Singaporean model.

Given that European tourism business today is becoming more cultural rather than

pilgrimage-specific, there is an opportunity to present a more culturally-orientated product to

these markets. East Jerusalem has an opportunity to present itself as truly authentic and,

possibly, un-packaged destination.

Supply product options to tour operators to enable them to offer multiple menu options for

customized travel. Demand for packaged holidays is decreasing: Custom made trips are

gaining more and more ground.

Internet presence needs to be strengthened at all stages of the purchase cycle prior to

booking, at the booking stage, during visit and post visit. It is important to gather visitor

feedback as part of Internet marketing. In the UK just under 80% of travel is organized online,

In Germany and France online accounts for approximately 65%.

A strong presence online, both for the destination and for individual businesses’ sales is

essential. Growth in European tourism is increasingly driven through websites, online travel

agents (OTAs) and travel aggregators. A TAJ partnership with the VisitPalestine website (a

private sector initiative) would make sense.

TAJ should encourage East Jerusalem tour operators to be present at ITB, ideally in

partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism.

The issue of better visitor management within the Noble Sanctuary should be addressed

through TAJ (basic facilities are reported to be poor), even if the access to it remains a

challenge.

The potential for growth from the Muslim market also provides a strong opportunity, if particular market requirements such as halal food, prayer requirements, female and family-friendly environment etc. are met. Feedback suggests that while extending itineraries to include Jerusalem on Umra pilgrimages is an opportunity, particularly considering potential market size, the availability of accommodation in East Jerusalem is known to be limited. Add-ons to Hajj have a very narrow time-focus, and Ramadan is moving towards the traditional high season, so the emphasis should be on marketing to encourage travel outside these periods.


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3 KEY ISSUES IDENTIFIED IN RESEARCH

3.1 Competitiveness

What emerges from the market research is that the key competitiveness challenge facing East Jerusalem is not the need for packages, but the issue of product quality (perceived or actual). This implies a need for TAJ to give attention to training and quality issues (for example accommodation and guiding standards and services), in addition to making East Jerusalem’s quality improvements and upgrade investments and better known. Because East Jerusalem’s capacity (in terms of rooms) is so small, significant increases in visitor numbers (particularly from group tours) simply cannot be accommodated. Accommodation businesses can only compete with larger volume hotels by offering a better product than their competitors and hence increasing revenues. Due to simple economies of scale they cannot compete on price. There are opportunities for the industry to offer more services to day visitors who dominate the Old City’s tourism economy.

3.2 Day trip tourists The vast majority of visitors to the Old City are on a day trip from accommodation outside the TAJ area. This is therefore a key market to address. There are opportunities to capture more day trip expenditure if the product can be adapted. Selling guiding services to go-as-you-please tourists is one option, and tour guides could be used more to direct visitors to quality TAJ product. Improving the retail offer is also an opportunity. Shops and restaurants in Jerusalem sometimes fall far short of the standards in other World Heritage Sites and urban tourism destinations, such as Venice, Istanbul or Fez. Initiatives to raise retailing standards and service could be championed by TAJ. Festivals and events are identified as a way of putting cultural tourism on the map, particularly in divided cities. It is recognized that this presents real difficulties in East Jerusalem, but it is something that TAJ can facilitate as it is of great importance for cultural tourism image.

3.3 Branding

There is an need to work up the TAJ logo into a brand with specific brand values and a promise of quality product delivery (at present there is no definition of what the TAJ “brand” promises to deliver – a significant weakness. Certainly the promise of Palestinian welcome (Ahlaan wa sahlaan), hospitality and culture could, if linked to quality guarantees, offer some competitive advantage over West Jerusalem. Research shows that Palestinian culture in itself does not have a high profile as a motivator, and is today more associated with political struggle rather than arts, crafts and music. This will require long term investment in marketing and product development to overcome. As part of this process the main hotel area of East Jerusalem outside the walls could be presented/rebranded as the Palestinian Cultural Quarter.9 Cultural and creative arts centres which can be engaged in the cluster include the Yabous Cultural Centre, the Palestinian Arts Court al Hoash

9 Belfast Quarters is an example: Here a number of distinctive cultural zones within the city of Belfast, Northern Ireland have

been developed as a spur to tourism and urban regeneration. Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter has been developed as a cultural

zone with programmed outdoor events and street entertainment, for example. West Belfast has developed its distinctive

republican tourism product with a political theme.


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(with its powerful Collectors’ Room exhibitions), the Palestinian National Theatre Al Hakawati, the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music, the Educational Bookshop with its extensive Palestinian literature, the Isaaf Nashashibi Centre for Culture & Literature with its manuscripts, Ottoman houses, Armenian potteries, craft shops and the Turkish Cultural Centre. In addition Institut Française Jerusalem, the British Council, the Council for British Research in the Levant (CBRL) Keynan Insitute, the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research and the Rockefeller Museum10 (although administered by the occupying power) provide free exhibitions and events from time to time. A great deal of time and effort needs to be devoted to this process if progress is to be achieved. Tourism banding is about delivering a consistent product as much as it is about promoting a consistent image. The potential branded cultural product described above, while physically close together, is still largely disconnected and TAJ’s primary function in linking tourism and the arts should be to address this

3.4 Culture and the Arts There is no obvious location in the Cultural Quarter where there are dining options, entertainment and ways to engage with the local Palestinian culture. In addition the list provided is very hard for tourists to access – i.e. to know they exist, what are they, where to find them, when are they open? So some potential is there, but it is very diluted and TAJ needs to do a lot of work. A central icon location could be developed that includes dining options, hand-craft demonstrations and outlet, folkloric nights, music, shows etc.11 PCDSP has proposed the al-Bazar site near the Jaffa Gate, but time is running out for this project to be delivered. One of bigger cultural centres in East Jerusalem might be encouraged to take on a broader, more multi-functional and tourism-orientated role, or a private operator (Ottoman hotel) might wish to remodel its product to provide such a facility, or a new premises might be found. All of these options would require substantial investment to deliver successfully.

3.5 Joint marketing

Recommended pilot test marketing of product packages developed in this strategy is outlined at chapter 5. There is also an opportunity, and indeed a definite requirement given PSDCP’s requirement for an exit strategy, to partner with other organisations such as HLITOA, he Palestinian Ministry of Tourism, the VisitPalestine portal and the Jerusalem Tourism Cluster NGO to ensure the sustainability of the packaging initiatives which are being recommended. The development of a Cooperative Marketing Strategy for Arab East Jerusalem would be the obvious next step.

10 The Rockefeller Museum also contains unique Jerusalem heritage, including priceless carvings from the Al Aqsa mosque and

carvings from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, so holds good tourist interest for those interested in culture and heritage.

Research clearly shows that both the Turkish and European markets wish to see different aspects of contemporary Jerusalem. 11 An example is Khan Zaman in Amman.


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4 NEW PRODUCT PACKAGES

4.1 The role of TAJ TAJ is not a legal entity empowered to sell packages: Its role is that of advisory support to the private sector. The requirements of international tour operators who sell packages are stringent, particularly from Europe where European Package Travel legislation applies. Only registered tour operators or legitimate online tour operators can sell overnight packages. Critical partners for TAJ to engage are therefore the East Jerusalem ground handlers (tour companies) and appropriate websites such as VisitPalestine. At the present time there does not appear to be an effective working relationship and there is a lack of clarity with tour operators as to what TAJ’s function is. The Communications Strategy needs to address this. Five packages are suggested for elaboration by TAJ members, based on the findings of the market research. Three are traditional packages for overnight tourism; one has multiple elements and can also attract overnights; one for day trip tourism (to be developed with the Arab Tour Guides Union). During the mission consultations were undertaken to test the acceptability of the packaging idea proposed. Feedback confirmed the urgent need for TAJ to develop a Memorandum of Understanding with HLITOA if its packaging concepts are to reach the market effectively. TAJ needs to focus on facilitating new product development in Jerusalem to realise new packages.

4.2 Product package: Turkey – Muslim pilgrimage Introduction Surprisingly, the research indicated that while Jerusalem is a tourism icon or brand, the religious importance of Kudüs (Jerusalem in Turkish) for Muslims in contemporary Turkey is not much very well known by younger people today. Tour operators should be encouraged to develop and market a product package along the lines suggested below: Recommended trade contacts to sell package ideas to are listed at chapter 6. The research indicates that while Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa will be the highlight, Turks do not want to be constrained to just visiting East Jerusalem: They wish to see all aspects of Jerusalem. Product package detail (3 days, 4 nights) It is up to the tour operator to schedule the precise itinerary: Suggested items to include are listed below. Day 1: Thursday General orientation tour of Jerusalem by bus. The trip can include the following sites:

Mount of Olives view from 7Arches Hotel

Al-Su’oud (Ascension) Dome Mosque & Al-Farisi Mausoleum (maqam) and Mosque, located

in the eastern part of the cemetery of Al-Tour village.

Bus tour around walls and through East and West Jerusalem.

Visit a museum (Palestine Heritage Museum, Rockefeller Museum or First Station Railway

Museum [Ottoman Heritage]

Option of evening prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque


17

Day 2 Friday

Al-Fajr (morning) prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Tour the compound including The Dome of the Rock (Qubbat Al-Sakhra), and the Dome of

Chain (Qubbat Al-Silsila), Islamic Museum.

Breakfast in the Old City

Walking tour of the Old City covering main sites relating to Mamluke and Ottoman heritage

Noon prayers

Lunch in the Old City/East Jerusalem

Afternoon at leisure in East Jerusalem

Evening prayer

Day 3: Saturday Day tour from Jerusalem

Visit to Bethlehem /Jericho/ Nabi Musa


18

Palestinian Cultural Show12 in the evening

Day 4 Sunday Departure Pricing The package should be priced by tour operators depending on the quality of accommodation chosen, and whether the tour is to be sold to groups or free independent travellers (FITs). Options can be 4 star/3 star/2 star. Most meals should be included. Elements to cost are:

Accommodation (3 nights)

Admissions (museums, etc.)

Coach hire

Guide hire

Meals (3 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners)

Cultural show

TAJ actions needed to facilitate the package

MoU with HLTOA regarding cooperation on marketing in Turkey.

Discissions with Waqf regarding improving services

Training of tour guides, MoU with Arab Tour Guides Association.

Turkish language training for tour guides

Training of hotels and restaurants regarding needs of Turkish visitors

Actions to develop a Palestinian Cultural Quarter and more accessible cultural shows for

Turks who do not speak Arabic (e.g .music, dance).

12 Currently being developed. Needs to focus on music and dance for non-Arabic speakers.


19

4.3 Product package: Turkey – culture visitors (Ottoman heritage package) The market research shows that there is growing interest in Ottoman heritage within Turkey and important cities in the former Ottoman Empire are being increasingly visited. Examples include as far west as Sarajevo and as far east as Baku. East Jerusalem tour operators can develop product based on this increasing interest in Ottoman architecture and heritage in Jerusalem. Palestinian culture is also closely related to the Ottoman period. 2017 will be the 500th anniversary of Sultan Selim I adding Jerusalem to the Ottoman Empire. Annex 3 outlines this quincentenary opportunity in more detail. Recommended trade contacts are listed at chapter 5.

Package detail (4 days, 5 nights) It is up to the tour operator to schedule the precise itinerary: Suggested items to include are listed below. Day 1 General orientation tour of Jerusalem by bus. The trip can include the following sites:


Al-Su’oud (Ascension) Dome Mosque.

Bus tour around walls built by Suleiman the Magnificent, photo opportunity at Damarcus Gate

Ottoman buildings in East Jerusalem

Tour to West Jerusalem and visit Itinerary First Station Railway Museum [Ottoman Heritage]


20

Day 2 Walking tour of the Old City: Route to include some of the following Ottoman sites:

Walking Jerusalem’s Walls (20 minute

or 45 minute options depending on

fitness of group)

Suleiman the Magnificent fountain

(Sabil in Tariq al-Wad).

Haram al-Sharif Noble Sanctuary

(Ottoman additions – exterior

decoration of the Dome of the Rock,

fountains)

Islamic Museum

Khassaki Sultan complex (Ottoman

soup kitchen)

Ottoman hamman (now part of 3rd

station church complex)

Ottoman mosques and minarets

Churches and synagogues built during

the Ottoman period

Muristan District: Suq Aftimos (Greek

Ottoman market)

Fountain to mark the 25th anniversary

of the reign of Ottoman Sultan Abed

al-Hamid II, opposite former Ottoman

Bank.

Lunch in the Old City

Afternoon at leisure in the Old City

Evening Cultural Show

21

Day 3 Day tour from Jerusalem to Ottoman Coastal Highlights

Acre (Ottoman walled town, with typical urban components such as the citadel, mosques

[including Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar Mosque], khans, and baths well preserved, partly built on

top of the underlying Crusader structures).

Jaffa (Hijaz Railway Monument, Old City).

Return Jerusalem (option film showing at Yabous Cultural Centre – ideally in Turkish)

Day 4 Day tour from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, Nabi Musa and/or Nazareth


22

Bethlehem main sites

Palestinian Heritage Centre

Nabi Musa

Nazareth: White Mosque (Ottoman) & museum.

Day 5

Option: Dawn prayer at Al-Aqsa

Departure

Pricing The package should be priced by tour operators depending on the quality of accommodation chosen, and whether the tour is to be sold to groups or FITs. Options can be de lux/ 4 star/3 star/2 star. Most meals should be included. Elements to cost are:


Admissions (heritage sites, museums, etc.)

Coach hire

Guide hire


Cultural show, film show.

An indicative target price at 3 star level is $500, but a tour operator’s negotiation power regarding price will depend on the volumes of business the company can deliver.


23

TAJ actions needed to facilitate the package

Intensive training of tour guides regarding Ottoman history and heritage

Training of tour guides on Ottoman Heritage route through the Old City.

Turkish language training for tour guides

Training of hotels and restaurants regarding expectations of Turkish market

MoU with HLITOA regarding marketing in Turkey

Finalisation of cultural show suitable for Turkish audience.

Support for HLITOA marketing in Turkey.


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4.4 Product package: Europe - cultural day tour options Jerusalem has a wealth of undiscovered history that can be focused to French, German or British visitors’ interests. There are also many hidden gems that can be packaged for more elite groups, such as the Orthodox Women’s Museum-house or Palestinian dining experiences in East Jerusalem’s Ottoman and other quality hotels. As noted in the research, the trend is going towards having menus of tour options to present for the overseas tour operator to customize. These have the advantage on not requiring continuous volumes to run.

The menu of tours could include the following:

Armenian/Palestinian food (selected restaurants)

Textiles (selected shops & Palestinian Heritage Museum)

Architecture (various themes possible, e.g. Crusader, Mameluke, Ottoman, Mandate period,

mosques, churches, etc.).

Pottery (selected pottery workshops)

Traditional markets

Contemporary Palestinian art (selected art galleries and shops)

Theatre and dance

Storytelling (if language challenges can be overcome)

Modern history & conflict (Palestinian Heritage Museum, other NGOs, refugee camp,

annexation wall, etc.)

Jerusalem by night

Hiking the hills around Jerusalem/ Ibrahim Path


25

Pricing The package should be priced by tour operators. A traditional meal might be included. Items to cost are:

Guide

Admissions (where appropriate)

Food

Pick up from hotel/transfer.

An indicative price per person is $40-60. The package could be sold from hotels. TAJ actions needed to facilitate the package

Training of tour guides

Tour operators should be encouraged to develop walk-in offices from which day tour

packages could be sold.

The Arab Tour Guides Union could also offer a direct hire-a-guide service for walk-in visitors.

MoUs with these organisations are needed if TAJ is to take forward these packaging options.


26

4.5 Product package: Europe – Muslim visitors & Palestinian diaspora

Introduction The market research indicates that an opportunity exists to attract more overnight Muslim groups (where hotel capacity can be secured). As noted above, packages can only effectively be developed by ground handlers who negotiate with hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities. Tourism expenditure can be encouraged by working with retailers, cafes and restaurants to improve standards of service and retail skills. In addition the Palestinian diaspora of all religions living in Europe can be targeted, although the market is scattered. Tour operators should be encouraged to develop and market a product package along the lines suggested below: Recommended trade contacts to sell package ideas too are listed at chapter 6. Package detail (3 days, 4 nights) It is up to the tour operator to schedule the itinerary: Suggested items to include are listed below. Day 1 General orientation tour of Jerusalem by bus. The trip can include the following sites:


Al-Su’oud (Ascension) Dome Mosque & Al-Farisi Mausoleum (maqam) and Mosque, located

in the eastern part of the cemetery of Al-Tour village.

Bus tour around walls and through East and West Jerusalem.

Visit to the Palestine Heritage Museum

Option of evening prayer at Al-Aqsa Mosque or Church of the Holy Sepulchre/other church.

Day 2

Walking tour of the Old City covering main sites


27

Shopping in the Old City/East Jerusalem

Afternoon at leisure in the Old City

Evening cultural show/Arabic story telling

Day 3: Day tour from Jerusalem

Visit to Bethlehem /Jericho/ Nabi Musa

Cultural Show in the evening


28

Day 4 Departure Pricing The package should be priced by tour operators depending on the quality of accommodation chosen (accommodation cost will be the largest element), and whether the tour is to be sold to groups or free independent travellers (FITs). Options can be 4 star/3 star/2 star. Most meals should be included. Elements to cost are:


Admissions (museums, etc.)

Coach hire

Guide hire


Cultural shows

An indicative target price at 3 star level is $600, but the tour operator’s negotiation power regarding price will depend on the volumes of business his company can deliver. TAJ actions needed to facilitate the package

MoU with HLTOA regarding cooperation on marketing in Europe.

Support to tour operator marketing

Training of tour guides, MoU with Arab Tour Guides Association.

Actions to develop a Palestinian Cultural Quarter and more accessible regular cultural events

Support to develop and market evening shows/events

Developing a day tour company and its website.

Identification of a company to lead the initiative (tour company, online travel agent or

association of guides).

Support to this company for website development/e-marketing.


29

4.6 Product package: Day trippers - walking tour options Introduction At many World Heritage Sites, including walled cities, it is possible to hire a badged guide on entry. This service is not visibly available in East Jerusalem, apart from in a rather low key manner at the Jaffa Gate. At present tour guides in East Jerusalem are heavily dependent on tour operators for work, and this work fluctuates causing long periods of under-employment. In addition the percentage of tourists coming on group tours is steadily declining: Most visitors are now free independent travellers (FIT). Tour guides need to be facilitated to adapt to this new market reality. There is an opportunity to sell a packaged day trip product to the international tourist on a day trip to the Old City. TAJ’s proposals to develop al-Bazzar near Jaffa Gate, and a location near Damascus Gate would be the ideal locations for offering a TAJ-standard guiding service This facility could also double as a Tourist Information Centre (TIC), although funding and sustaining a TIC service might be a challenge. Guides would need to be trained further through the Arab Tour Guide Association or TAJ, and be visibly badged and available at guide-hire booths. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) guiding standards should be applied.13 A menu of tour options should be developed which offer TAJ added value, over and above existing city tours. Tours to be developed might include visits to premises only open by arrangement, a Palestinian food experience, or other product which East Jerusalem can uniquely offer. They should offer a range of price options and have options to include sites outside the walls. Tours should vary in length and price, but be clear as to what is included. As in all aspects of tourism, quality and value for money are keys to success. The Arab Tour Guide Union, or a similar grouping of committed guides, needs to be the lead coordinating agency, agreeing fixed prices per person and per group per tour. Package detail (half day options) Walking tour options (menu) could include the following:

Around the walls (1 hour)

Main sites (1 hour)

Architecture tour (1 or 2 hour options)

Islamic Jerusalem (1 or 2 hours)

Christian Jerusalem (1 or 2 hours)

Roman Jerusalem (1 or 2 hours)

Arab East Jerusalem & Palestinian culture (2 hours)

Half day tour with lunch (3 hours)

Night tour (1 hour plus dinner)

Jerusalem crafts (2 or 3 hours)

Traditional markets (1 hour)

13 UNESCO was one of the first international organisations to recognise the State of Palestine.


30

Modern history (1 or 2 hours))

A rota of tour guides would be needed as well as extensive training. Pricing The fixed prices should be agreed by the Arab Tour Operator Union. Prices per person will vary depending on group size. A percentage of the guide fee should go to support the hire of the sales booths and marketing. Indicative prices for individual tours: $10 for a one hour tour, $16 for two hours and $24 for three. Group tour prices to consolidate based on the above rates. TAJ actions needed to facilitate the product

MoU with Arab Tour Guides Union

Training and TAJ badging of tour guides

Development of agreed routes and training on route

Marketing

TAJ guide-hire booths at City gates


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5 HOW TO PROMOTE THE PACKAGES

5.1 Background PSPCD itself does not have resources (financial or human) to undertake tourism marketing at an effective level. It will therefore necessary to engage the cluster in a collaborative marketing approach with joint funding for future activity. Ideally the marketing of Arab East Jerusalem would see the development of a Tourism Board involving the major players in tourism: Those with resources and marketing expertise to put behind a future cooperative marketing campaign. If the TAJ initiative can further this it would be a positive step. A first step could be the development of a Cooperative Marketing Strategy (see annex 5). TAJ’s current marketing value lies in its branding potential, in terms of offering a guarantee of quality, of Arab welcome and a Palestinian Cultural Quarter. This has not yet been fully articulated by the cluster, nor has it been communicated to cluster members. A major external marketing campaign would be premature, nor indeed is there funding allocated for one: Priority should be given to internal communication.14 TAJ’s concentration needs to be on cluster development and development on the ground in Jerusalem of the packages recommended in this report.

5.2 Pilot marketing In the six months remaining in the project some pilot test marketing can however usefully take place if undertaken jointly with representative private sector associations. TAJ product does not yet appear on East Jerusalem tour operators’ websites for example: Priority should be given to ensuring uptake by HLITOA, hotels and online travel agents (OTAs) such as VisitPalestine.

It is also noted that TAJ at present has no promotional material to explain its role or who the members of the cluster are, nor does it have a website. However this may not be a material issue because:

The way to promote tourism packages is to get them taken up by tour operator

members of TAJ. This will require more intense cooperation with HLITOA, which

should be within the cluster programme’s resources to facilitate. Tour operators

should be seen as the marketing entities, not TAJ. A Memorandum of Understanding

defining TAJ’s role in product development and HLITOA’s role in marketing would be

the first step.

Memorandums of Agreement should also be developed with promotional websites

which have high international visitation.15

Some (limited) pilot test marketing should be undertaken in partnership with tour

operators and hotels. Halal tourism events in Abu Dhabi (2015) and Istanbul (2016)

will help determine interest in the Islamic tourism packages which TAJ is developing,

and will strengthen TAJ communication with participating Jerusalem enterprises .

Turkey has been identified as an opportunity also, but a Turkish-speaking marketing

representative to spearhead the marketing is needed. An exploratory workshop in

Istanbul/Ankara could be facilitated for HLITOA regarding promoting Jerusalem.

Cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism regarding marketing Jerusalem with

Palestine should also be piloted. Selected opportunities in Turkey and Europe could

be undertaken. The Eastern Mediterranean International Travel & Tourism Exhibition

14 A Communications Strategy has been commissioned by the cluster. 15 A new TAJ website should primarily be to communicate with members. Internationally it will not have high visitation as there is no marketing campaign to create awareness of it. It would be like throwing a message in a bottle into the ocean.


32

(EMITT) in Istanbul and International Tourism Bourse (ITB) in Berlin are the main

events.

Development of feedback systems to monitor customer satisfaction and follow up on

customer complains.

The development of a long term Cooperative Marketing Strategy for Arab East

Jerusalem and how it might be resourced could be explored: This should cover the

2017 - 2020 period.

5.3 Joint marketing opportunities Table 3 suggests initiatives which could be mounted jointly with partners.

Table 3: Partnership marketing activity to promote packages in 2016

Date Market Activity

28-31 January 2016 Turkey EMITT trade and consumer show, Istanbul

9-6 March 2016 Europe ITB trade fair, Berlin

To be agreed Europe Promotion to Palestinian diaspora through Embassies

21-23 March 2016 Turkey 2nd International Halal Tourism Conference, Istanbul

Feb-June 2016 Turkey In-market representation and PR contract with Turkish company

To be agreed Turkey High level mission to Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı to request visits to Jerusalem to be encouraged through mosques, Ankara

To be agreed Turkey High level mission with HLITOA to Turkish Airways to encourage Jerusalem to be included in Islamic pilgrimage promotional fares, Ankara

To be agreed Turkey Road show with HLITOA Jerusalem tour operators in Turkey (Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir).


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6 CONTACT LISTS

6.1 Turkey The full listing of Turkish tour operators and outbound travel agents is available at: <http://www.tursab.org.tr/en/travel-agencies/search-iata-member-travel-agency>. Follow-up is recommended with the following tour operators:

Company

Contact Details

WITT TOUR,

VIP Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Istanbul,

Erkan Aydın, General Manager

Address:

Koza Plaza B Blok Kat:6 No:2 Tekstilkent / Esenler / İstanbul

http://www.wittour.com

Tel :+90 (212) 444 4 948 Tel :+90 (212) 438 09 11 pbx Fax : +90 (212) 438 09 05 Mail : [email protected]

ARNIKA

Culture Specialist, Tour Operator, Istanbul –

İbrahimTanrıverdi, Manager

Address:

Cumhuriyet Cad. Celal Öker Sok. No:4/1 Harbiye-İstanbul

http://www.arnika.com.tr

Tel: +90 (212) 225 0 335

Fax: 0212 225 0 339 Mail: [email protected]/

EMAN TURİZM,

VIP Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Istanbul,

Address:

Şehit Muhtar Caddesi, No: 11, 34437 /TAKSİM/ ISTANBUL

http://www.eman.com.tr

Tel: +90 (212) 444 5 000

Fax +90 212 255 16 55

E-mail: [email protected]

Figura Travel,

Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Istanbul.

Yıldız Posta Caddesi, Dedeman İş Hanı, No: 48 Kat : 8 Esentepe 34394 İstanbul

http://www.figura.com.tr/anasayfa

Tel + 90 (212).347 8 347

Fax + 90.(212).347 8 319


mailto:[email protected]





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NIL TUR,

Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Bursa and Istanbul

İSTANBUL Macar Kardeşler Cd. No:36/3 Fatih-İSTANBUL/TÜRKİYE Tel : +90 212 635 92 62(pbx) Fax : +90 212 635 92 64 E-mail : [email protected]

BURSA Nalbantoğlu Mh. Akbıyık Cd. No:13 BURSA/TÜRKİYE

Tel : +90 (224) 224 95 12(pbx) Fax : +90 (224) 221 72 80 E-mail : [email protected]

http://www.niltur.com/tr/

SILA TURİZM,


Akdeniz Cad. No:6/1 Fatih / İstanbul / Türkiye TEL: +90 (212) 631 57 58 FAX: +90 (212) 534 73 43 www.silatur.com.tr - [email protected]

http://www.silatur.com.tr/kudus-turlari.asp

IKRAM TURIZM,


Fevzipaşa Caddesi. No: 91/A 34080 Fatih / İstanbul / Türkiye

Tel : +90 212 534 4404 - 444 5726 - 0532 781 7232

Fax : +90 212 534 2586

E-mail : [email protected]

Altinolukturizm,

Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Gaziantep.

Muammer Aksoy Bul.

Vakıflar İş Mrk.

Altı 14 (Emniyet Müd. Karşısı)

GAZİANTEP

http://www.altinolukturizm.com/kudus_turu.php

Tel +90.342.231 48 70 (pbx) Fax: +90.342.220 95 98 Email: [email protected]

NÜANS TUR,


http://www.nuanstur.com.tr/kudus-turlari/

Bulgurlu Mah. Bağcılar Cad. No:1/A ( Şafak İş Merkezi ) Üsküdar / İstanbul Tel :444 26 61

Fax: 0 (216) 316 46 70 PK: 34696 Yurt dışından Telefon: 0090 444 2661

Hennes Tour

Islamic Pilgrimage Specialist, Konya.

Aziziye Mahallesi

Mevlana Caddesi No:54P:35-37

Karatay – KONYA

Tel.: +90 (0) 332 / 351 50 55 Fax: +90 (0) 332 /352 50 90 E-Mail: [email protected]



http://www.silatur.com.tr/





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Ensartur,


Akşemsettin Mah. Şemsettin Sami Sok. Merthan Apt. No:6/1 FATİH / İSTANBUL

Tel 0212 621 88 82 - 0212 631 27 54

Fax 0212 621 88 85

E-Mail [email protected]

Sevaltur,


Address:

İOSB Tümsan Sanayi Sitesi 2. Kısım C Blok, Kat 3 No: 80 Başakşehir/ İSTANBUL

TEL : +90 212 486 41 51 ( Pbx )

FAX : +90 212 486 41 52

E-Mail: [email protected]

Burak Tur,


Ali Kuşçu Mh. Aslanhane Sk. No:10/2

Fatih - İSTANBUL / TÜRKİYE

Tel: 444 7 177

Fax: +90 212 534 38 48

+90 212 523 32 01

https://www.buraktur.com/

ETS Tour,

Main Tour Operator - Culture Specialist, Istanbul

http://www.etstur.com



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6.2 European tour operators for Muslim & Palestinian travellers Note: There are issues in Europe with misrepresentation by agents/operators and tourists and industry members suffering fraud regarding Hajj and Umra in particular. We have only included those on the listings where exact contact details could be located.

6.2.1 France

Company

Contact Details

AKDESVOYAGES

20 Av.Paul Appell

75014, Paris

France

ANAS VOYAGES

BOULEVARD VOLTAIRE178

75011 PARIS

France

Tel: 01.43.71.54.84

http://anas-voyages.fr

ANDALOUS TOURS

13 Place Pierre DE FERMAT ,

Reims 51100

France

Tel: 03 26 35 69 20

ASSD CITATION CULTURE LLC ISLAMIC

68100 41 ,RUE NEPPERT

MULHOUSE 68200,

France

ASSOCIATION MUSULMANE DE CAHAAN

Paris, France

ATLAS TOURS

63 RUE CORNEILLE

59000 LILLE

France

Tel: 06 46 63 66 00

www.atlastours.pro

AUTRE VOYAGE

3 RUE DES LAVANDIERES

ST OPPRTUNE 75001

France

Tel: 01 42 36 23 29

http://www.autrevoyage.com/


37

COMMUNAUTE ISLAMIQUE DU MILLI GORUS DE FRANCE

BOFORGSANT

France

DAMAS VOYAGES 6 Avenue Gabriel Péri, 69120 Vaulx-en-Velin Tel: 04 72 05 66 80

http://www.selectour-afat.com/#!/Agence-de-Voyage/2615

DEPARTMENT OF RELIGIOUS AFFAIRS OF THW FRENCH ARMED FORCES

France ,75008 , باريس الفرنسية االركان رئاسة

DJEMILA VOYAGES

17, Cour Gambetta

69 003 Lyon

France

Tel : 00 33 478 605 629 .



http://www.djemilavoyages.com/

DOGAN VOYAGES

65 Rue de la Part-Dieu, 69003 Lyon Tel: 04 78 62 95 95 www.doganvoyages.com

EL-DJAZAIR

67 BOULEVARD DE BELLEVILLE

75011

France

Tel: 01 43 57 81 72

www.edz.fr

ETOILE D’AFRIQUE VOYAGES

228 Welat Boulevard

75019

France

EXCELL VOYAGES

RUE AMIRAL DE GRASSE

Nice 6000

France

FRANCE VOYAGE (BLUE SKY TRAVEL)

3 RUE BEAUBRUN

42000 SAINT ETIENNE

FRANCE

Tel: 04 77 33 02 28

www.francevoyage42.com/

FTF VOYAGES

14 RUE SCANDICCI

93000 PANTIN

FRANCE


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HELOISE VOYAGES

22 BOULEVARD HELOISE

95102 CEDEX

France

KISSIVOYAGES SARL

15 NOV STREET

931400 BONDY

France

MAGHREB VOYAGES

133 Rue de Lyon

13015 Marseille

France

Tel: 04 91 58 86 68

MAKKAH VOYAGES

مرسيليا فرنسيس16

13001 Marseille

France

Tel: 04 91 91 50 67

MARWA HADJ

F T VOYAGES

18 A 20

18 AVENUE DE SAINT OUEN

75018 PARIS

FRANCE

MERIDIANIS VOYAGES

53 RUE DE TOCQUEVILLE

75017

France

Tel: 01 43 55 06 00

www.hajjomra.com

ORAN VOYAGES

3 Boulevard de Belleville,

75011 Paris Tel: 01 49 29 95 49

www.oran-voyages.com

ORIENT SERVICE 3 Rue de la Croix Nivert, 75015 Paris Tel: 01 45 30 01 47

www.orientservices.fr

OSCAR TOURISME

6.RUE OSCAR

06000 Nice

France

SARL ARIANE VOYAGES

15 AVENUE FRANCOIS BEGUE

93240 STAINS

FRANCE

http://www.saudinf.com/samex/component/directory/listentries/pilgrimage/approved%20hajj%20travel%20agents.html


39

SARL ITPM VOYAGES 6 Rue des Petites Maries,

13001 Marseille Tel: 04 91 90 10 72

SOCIETE DES HABOUS ET LIEUX SAINTS DE LISLAM

Place du Puits de l’ermite

75005

Paris

SOLAIR VOYAGES

224 Rue des Postes, 59000 Lille Tel: 03 20 42 02 96

www.solairvoyages.fr

STAR TRAVEL INTERNATIONNAL

15 Rue Marx Dormoy,

75018 Pari Tel: 01 40 34 11 12

www.startravel.fr

THE TRAVELLERS CLUB 8 Rue Beauvau,

13001 Marseille Tel: 04 96 17 60 40

VOYAGES FALHI - ESPACE-TOURISME

6 Boulevard des Dames,

13002 Marseille Tel: 04 91 90 84 44

YATHREB VOYAGES

103 Rue Alexandre Dumas,

75020 Paris Tel: 01 43 71 83 47

www.yathrebvoyages.com/

YATI VOYAGES

Rue de Crimée

75019 Paris

France

ZOOM PLANETE

44 Avenue de Staligrad

92700

France


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6.2.2 Germany

Company

Contact Details

ATF GmbH AVRUPA TÜRK FEDERASYON

Friesstr. 2 Frankfurt, Germany, 60388

AGIMEX TRADING GMBH

STEINDAMM 39 , 20099, Germany

+49 40 31708778

www.muslimereisen.de

ALMADINA TRAVEL SERVICE

Hardenbergplatz 2, Berlin, 10623, Germany

ATIB REISEVERANSTALTUNGS- UND HANDELS GMBH SACHSENRING , 20, Koln, 50677, Germany

BALCOK TRAVEL AGENCY

Altenessener Str. 323, 45326 Essen, Germany +49 201 8339397

www.balcokofficial.com

DAR ELSALAM

Pappelweg 10 79108 Freiburg im Breisgau Deutschland / Germany Mobil: +49 (0) 171 42 83 461 E-Mail: [email protected]

www.darelsalamgermany.de

DAR UL ISLAM GMBH

Frankfurt Airport Center B6 , Hugo-Eckener-Ring , 60549, Germany

+49 180 3 302211

http://www.hajjbound.com/listings/dar-ul-islam-gmbh-umra-hajj/

EL- BASHAIR FUER HAJJ UMRA UND REISEN Sonnen Allee 55 , 12045, Germany

FATIH

RHEINSH , Germany

GLOBALLINE-TOURS GMBH

Nordendstraße 14, 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany +49 6105 97550

ISLAMISCHE GEMEINSCHAFT MILLI GORUS

BOSCHSTR.61-65 , 50171, Kerpen, Germany

PARVAZ-E-NOOR

Germany ,آيسين , - 70 رقم 45219

RAHMAT GMBH

Kleiner Pulverteich 9 Hamburg Germany , 21035, Hamburg, Germany

REISEBURO BOUHJAR GMBH Lambachstr. 8


41

44145 Dortmund

Telefon: +49 231 8630689

Fax: +49 231 8633835

E-Mail: [email protected]

http://reisebuero-bouhjar.de/kontakt/

TRAVEL AGENCY AZIZ

Ellerstraße 73, 40227 Düsseldorf, Germany +49 211 9943172 www.reise-aziz.com/

6.2.3 UK

Authorized agencies for Hajj Services 1436 H / 2015:

COMPANY NAME

CONTACT DETAILS

Aff Travel Net

2 WALDECK ROAD

LUTON

BEDS LU1 1HG

TEL:01582411404

WWW.AFFTRAVELNET.CO.UK

Afta Tours Limited

111 KENTON ROAD

HARROW

MIDDLESEX HA3 0AN

TEL:02089071952

WWW.AFTATOURS.COM

Al-Arafah Hajj Services Ltd

44 PHILIP VICTOR ROAD

BIRMINGHAM B20 2QD

TEL: 01212406425

WWW.ALARAFAH.CO.UK

Al-Hashmi Hajj &Umrah Tours Limited

40 TRINITY ROAD,ASTON ,BITMINGHAM B6 6AL

TEL: 01212850530


Alshafaqat Hajj Ltd

241 MERE RD, LEICESTER LE5 4G5

TEL:

Al-Bilal Hajj &Umrah Travel Ltd 49 SOUTHFIELD SQUARE ,BRADFORD BD8 7SL


42

TEL: 01274728159

E-mail :[email protected]

Al-Amanah Haj &Umrah Limited

172 WESTERN ROAD, SOUTHALL ,MIDDLESEX, UB2 5ED

TEL: 02088138600


Albrek International Ltd

99UXBRIDGE ROAD

SHEPHERRDS BUSH

LONDON W12 8NL

TEL:02087493877

WWW.ALBREKTRAVELS.COM

Alehsan Trust Limited

71 SHEAVESHILL AVENUE

LONDON NW9 6SA

TEL:02082013057

WWW.ALEHSAN.COM

Al Haramain Hajj &Umrah Tours Ltd

97 WHALLEY RANGE

BLACKBURN

BB1 6EE

TEL:01254290101

WWW.HARAMAINTOURS.COM

Alhidaayah Travel Limited

436 COVENTRY ROAD

SMALL HEATH

BIRMINGHAM B10 0UG

TEL: 01217537890

WWW.AL-HIDAAYAH.TRAVEL

Al Hijaz Tours And Travel Ltd

2998 A BETHNAL GREEN ROAD

LONDNON E2 6AH

TEL:02085399408

WWW.ALHIJAZTOURSTRAVELS.COM

Al-Kabir Travels &Tours Ltd

47 NEW ROAD

LONDON E1 1HE

TEL:02073779955

WWW.ALKABIRTRAVELS.COM

Alkawther Hajj Limited

SUITE 200, CROWN HOUSE

NORTH CIRCULAR ROAD

LONDON NW10 7NP

TEL:07904284945


43

[email protected]

Alkhalid Tours And Travels

409 DERBY ST BOLTON

BL3 6LT

TEL:01204854130

WWW.YOURTRAVELSHOP.COM

Al-Khoei Foundation

STONE HALL

CHEVENING ROAD

LONDON NW6 6TN

TEL:02073724049

WWW.ALKHOEI.ORG

Al Muntada Al Islami Travel

BRIDGES PLACE

PARSONS GREEN

FULHAM SW6 4HW

TEL:02074718282

WWW.ALMUNTADATRAVEL.COM

Al- Mustafa Raza Hajj &Umrah Tours Limited

112A WHALLEY NEW ROAD

BLACKBURN BB1 6LD

TEL: 01254368193

WWW.ALMUSTAFAZAHAJJ.COM

AL-NOOR TRAVELS &TOURS LTD

66 KILLINGHALL ROAD ,BRADFORD BD3 8HN

TEL: 01274669995


Al-Noor Hajj Ltd

6 HAWKESMOOR ROAD,BEWBUSH, CRAWLEY,WEST SUSSEX RH11 8FG

TEL:07748498450

Email :[email protected]

Al-Qibla Travel Limited

UNIT 1 PRINCELET ST

LONDON E1 5LP

TEL:02072472272

WWW.ALQIBLA.CO.UK

Al-Ameen Tours &Travel Ltd

119 BURFORD ROAD, FOREST FIELDS, NOTTINGHAM NG7 6BA

TEL:01159700028

WWW.alameentravel.com

Arif Hajj &Umrah Services Ltd

PUNJAB HOUSE

7A VICTORIA AVENUE

BRIEFIELD ,NELSON,

LANCASHIRE BB9 5RH


44

TEL:01282721733

WWW.PASSPORT2HAJJ.COM

A R Travel &Tours Limited

1 ST. STEPHENS' TERRACE

BRADFORD BD5 7BY

TEL:0127439071

WWW.ARTRAVEL.CO.UK

Ahmed Tours &Travels Ltd

UNIT 8,312 HIGH ST STRATFORD, LONDON E15 1AJ

TEL:02070787399

WWW.ahmed –travel.com

Bradford Hajj &Umrah Services Limited

GROUND FLOOR1

ST STEPHEN'S TERRACE

BRADFORD BD5 7BY

TEL:01274302899

WWW.BHUS.CO.UK

Bradford Travel Centre Limited

GROUND FLOOR

AIRLINES HOUSE

66 LUMB LANE

BRADFORD BD8 7QZ

TEL:01274733178

WWW.BRADFORDTRAVELCENTRE.CO.UK

Crown Travel

103 CARLISLE ROAD

BRADFORD BD8 8BY

TEL:01274544400

WWW.CRWNTRAVELUKLTD.COM

Datafine Ltd

49 GROVE ROAD

WALTHAMSTOW

LONDON E17 9BL

TEL: 02085187188

WWW.ALBAHISHT.CO.UK

Dome Tours International Ltd

363-364 HARROW ROAD

LONDON W9 3NA

TEL:02089626630

WWW.DOMETOURS.COM

Easy Hajj Ltd

37 LISSON GROVE

LONDON NW1 6UB

TEL:02077244040


45

WWW.EASYHAJJ.COM

El Makay International

684 GREEN LANE

GOODMAYES

ESSEX IG3 9RX

TEL:02085972828

WWW.ELMAKAY.COM

Ehsan

Educational Hajj &Umrah Ltd

119 PERSHORE ROAD

EDGBASTON

BIRMINGHAM B5 7NX

TEL:08456027764

WWW.HAJJUMRAHUK.COM

El-Sawy Travel Limited

149 PARK ROA -LORDS ROUNDABOUT

ST. JOHNS WOOD

LONDON NW8 7HT

TEL:02075867979

WWW.ELSAWY.COM

Et Hajj And Umrah Tours Ltd

102 STAR STREET

LONDON W2 1QF

TEL: 02077069700

WWW.ETTOUR.NET

Euro Africa Travel

120 MILE END ROAD

LONDON E1 4UN

TEL:02072658799

WWW.EUROAFRICATRAVEL.CO.UK

F &I Hajj And Umra Tours Ltd

BIG YELLOW OFFICES

ROOM32, 111 WHITBY ROAD

SLOUGH SL1 3DR

TEL:01753538641

WWW.AL-HAJJUMRAHTOURS.CO.UK

Flight Express Travel Ltd

19 BLACKSTOCK ROAD

FINSBURY PARK

LONDON N4 2JF

TEL:02073548484

WWW.FLIGHTEXPRESS.CO.UK

Flywell Travel Ltd

396 EASTRPARK ROAD

LEICESTER LE5 5HM

TEL:01162738999


46

WWW.FLYWELL.CO.UK

Haj &Umra Travel Ltd

308 ELGIN AVENUE

LONDON W9 1JU

TEL: 02072861111

WWW.HAJ.CO.UK

Hajj Tours Ltd

STONEHAM HOUSE 17 SCARBROOOK ROAD ,CROYDON CR0 1SQ

TEL: 02034326602

WWW.HAJTOURS.NET

Hasan Hajj Tours London Ltd

69 HAROLD ROAD

LEYTONSTONE

LONDON E11 4QX

TEL:02085586552

WWW.HASANHAJJ.COM

Hashim Travel

36 AUDLEY RANGE

BLACKBURN BB1 1TD

TEL:01254675656

Hijaz Travel Limited

448 A COVENTRY ROAD

BIRMINGHAM

B10 0UN

TEL: 0217738777

WWW.HIJAZTRAVEL.CO.UK

Holy Makkah Tours Ltd

34 GREEN STREET

FOREST GATE

LONDON E7 8BZ

TEL:02085524666

WWW.HOLYMAKKAH.CO.UK

Hujjajridwanulah Lonon Ltd

14 WHIMBREL CLOSE,

SOUTH CROYDON

SUREEY CR2 0WR

TEL: 02086515647

WWW.HUJJAJRIDWANULAH.ORG

H. S. Travel &Tours Ltd

10 ELECTRIC PARADE, ILFORD

IG3 8BY

TEL:02085988666


47

Interair Hajj And Umrah Ltd

43 WOODHILL

LEICESTER LE5 3QS

TEL:01162532755

Kaleem Hajj Umra Services Ltd

19 GLANMORE ROAD

SLOUGH SL2 5LH

TEL:017535520006

WWW.KALEEMHAJJ.COM

Karwan- Al-Madina Tour Operators Limited

266 GIBBET ST HALIFAX W YORKSHIRE

HX1 4LT

TEL:07802151696

WWW.KARWANMADINAH.COM

Khadim Ul Hajjaj Ltd

02 BELPH LANE BLACKBURN

BB1 2BE

TEL:01254699618

WWW.YUSUFHAKIMHAJ.COM

Labbaik Ltd

80 BEN JONSON ROAD

LONDON E1 3NN

TEL: 02077912779

WWW.LABBAIK.CO.UK

Labbaik Hajj &Umrah Services Uk Ltd

263 MANNINGHAM LANE

BRADFORD BD8 7EP

TEL:01271495495

WWW.LABBAIKHAJJ.COM

Lala Abdul Malik Khadam-Al-Hajjaj

12 WOOLMER ROAD

MEADOWS

NOTTINGHAM NG2 2FB

TEL:01159865007

WWW.KHADAM-AL-HAJJAJ.COM

London Councel For Hajj And Umrah Ltd

83 BROAD LANE

LONDON N15 4DW

TEL:02088803366

WWW.LONDONCOUNCIL.NET

LONDON ISLAMIC CULTURE AND RECREATION SOCIETY

130 STOKE NEWINGTON ROAD LONDON N16 7XA

02072448684TEL: 010277305101


48

London Prestige Ltd

249 STONEY STANTON ROAD

COVENTRY CV1 4FR

TEL:02476763011

WWW.LONDON-PRESTIGE.CO.UK

Luton Travel Services Ltd

182 DUNSTABLE ROAD

LUTON LU4 8JJ

TEL:02085585400

WWW.HAJJANDUMRAEXPRESS.COM

Madni Hajj &Umrah Ltd

PROSPECT HOUSE

67 DUCKWORTH LANE

BRADFORD BD9 5EZ

TEL:01274492992

MANCHESTER HAJJ AND UMRA GROUPS

11 BADMINTON ROAD, CHORLTON ,MANCHESTER M21 0UQ

TEL: 01617185265


Moti Tours &Tourism Ltd

42 WAINWRIGHT AVENUE

LEICESTER LE5 1QW

TEL:07913780790

WWW.MOTITOURS.CO.UK

M Zahid Travel Ltd

41 VICTORIA ST

BLACKBURN BB1 6DN

TEL:01254662222

WWW.MZAHIDTRAVEL.COM

Noori Travel &Tours Ltd

33 Parliament St Peterborough PE1 2LS UK

TEL: 00441733706515

Email : [email protected]

Nabil Hajj And Umrah Services Ltd

SUITE 215 LINEN HALL

162-168 REGENT STREET

LONDON W1B 5TG

TEL:02077349590

WWW.NBILTOURS.COM

N R Ltd

UNIT 03

86 BRICK LANE

LONDON E1 6RL


49

TEL:02085555562

Ojee Travel &Tours

20 CHEPSTOW CRESCENT ,ILFORD, ESSEX IG3 8JJ

TEL: 02085904411


Onecall Travels Ltd

131 WHITECHAPEL ROAD

LONDON E1 1DT

TEL:02073779385

WWW.ONECALLTRAVELS.CO.UK

Pak Travels Ltd

430 COVENTRY ROAD

SMALL HEATH

BIRMINGHAM B10 0UN

TEL:01217720542

WWW.PAKTRAVELS.COM

Qibla Hajj And Umra Uk Ltd

262 CALESHILL ROAD, CASTLE BROMWICH, BIRMINGHAM B36 8BG

TEL:01213279248


Sada E Madina Hajj &Umrah(Uk) Ltd

38 THORNE ROAD THORNTON LODGE

HUDDERSFIELD

WEST YORKSHIRE HD1 3JJ

TEL:01484513080

WWW.SADAEMADINA.NET

Satia Tours Limited

44/47 QUEENSPARK ROAD

BLACKBURN BB1 1RF

TEL:01254663701

WWW.SATIATOURS.COM

Shariff Enterprises

Ltd

102 STAR STREET

LONDON W2 1QF

TEL:02077069700

WWW.SHARIFFENTERPRISES.CO.UK

Sheikh Liaqat Hajj &Umrah Limited

3 ALEXANDRA STREET

BRADFORD BD7 1RS

TEL:01274732139

Sky Fly Connections Limited

1ST FLOOR AIRLINES HOUSE

66 LUMB LANE


50

BRADFORD BD8 7QZ

TEL:01274733168

WWW.SKYFLY.ORG.UK

Sky High Travel Ltd

40 DENBIGH ROAD

LUTON BEDFORDSHIRE

LU3 1NR

TEL:01582492384

WWW.SKYHAJJ.CO.UK

Sky View Travels Ltd

1-2 STATION BRIDGE

WOODGRANGE ROAD

LONDON E7 0NE

TEL:02085552522

WWW.SKYVIEWTRAVELSLTD.CO.UK

Sovereign Travel

44 ST PAULS ROAD

BRADFORD BD8 7LP

TEL:01274499356

Sylhet House Travel Centre Limited

6 HESSEL STREET

LONDON E1 2LP

TEL:02077024337

WWW.SYLHETHOUSE.CO.UK

The Intergration And Social Co-Opreration Society Limited

3 GILPIN CLOSE, LONDON, W2 1AD

TEL: 07715106919


Taqwa For Haj Ltd

14 SONIA GARDENS

LONDON NW10 1AG

TEL: 07725009828

WWW.TAQWAHAJ.CO.UK

The Europian Hajj Company Ltd

1 CANNING ROAD, HARROW WEALD HA3 7TS

TEL:02086965200

WWW.EUROPIANHAJJMISSION.ORG

Ten To Six Travel Services Ltd

102 STAR STREET

LONDON W2 1QF

TEL:02077069700

To Haram Ltd

197 OMBERSLEY ROAD

BIRMINGHAM B12 8UY


51

TEL:01214400786

Travelway Ltd

228 SEVEN SISTER Rd N8 0NA

TEL:02089002772

WWW.TRAVELWAYLTD.COM

Uk Hajj &Umrah Services Ltd

66 LONDON ROAD

LONDON E13 0DD

TEL:02073776726

WWW.CHEAPHAJJANDUMRAHDEALS

Umrah And Hajj Specialist Ltd

494 COVENTRY ROAD

SMALL HEATH

BIRMINGHAM B10 0JS

TEL:01217665255

WWW.MARHABATOURS.CO.UK

Usmania Haj Tours Ltd

111 A EGERTON RD NORTH

CHORLTON MANCHESTER

M16 0BR

TEL:01618605824

WWW.USMANIAHAJJTOURS.COM

Watford Travel Services Limited

11 CROSSMEAD ROAD

WATFORD WD19 4JG

TEL:01923233126

WWW.WATFORDTRAVEL.COM

Zamzam Travel

424 COVENTRY ROAD

BIRMINGHAM B10 0UN

TEL: 010277305101

WWW.ZAMZAMTRAVELS.ORG.UK

Yousaf Religious Tours Limited

166 SELBOURNE ROAD, LUTON ,BEDFORDSHIRE LU4 8LT

TEL: 01582583103



52

UK Authorized Agencies for Umrah Services 1436 H / 2015

COMPANY NAME CONTACT DETAILS

Aff Travel Net

2 WALDECK ROAD,LUTON

BEDS LU1 1HG

TEL:01582411404

E-MAIL:[email protected]

Afta Tours Limited

111 KENTON ROAD

HARROW,MIDDLESEX ,HA3 0AN

TEL:02089071952

Albrek International Ltd

99UXBRIDGE ROAD,SHEPHERRDS BUSH

LONDON W12 8NL

TEL:02087493877


Al-Amanah Hajj And Umrah Ltd

172 WESTERN RD,SOUTHALL,MIDDLESEX

UB2 5ED

TEL:02088138600


Almohamdi Uk

131 WOOD LANDS RP

ILFORD,1GI 1JR

TEL:02033711244

E-mAIL:[email protected]

Almouna Limited

109A UXBRIDGE RD

LONDON,W12 8NL

TEL:02087406637

WWW.AL-MOUNA.COM

Alkhaleej

25 HENRIQUES ST

LONDON, E1 1NB

TEL:02074813166

Almakkawi

72 HOB MOOR RD,SMALL HEATH

BIRMINGHAM,B10 9BU

TEL:01217530378


Al Noor Travels And Tours Ltd 66 KILLINGHAL RD.

BRADFORD,BD3 8HN


53

TEL:01274669995


Alhidaayah Travel Ltd

436 COVENTRY RD.

SMALL HEATH,BIRMINGHAM

TEL:01217537890

WWW.HIDAAYAH.TRAVEL

Bismillaah Hajj And Umrah

72 BRICK LANE,IST FLOOR

LONDON,E1 6RL

TEL:02073770119

7 Continents Travel

10 TOOTING HIGH ST.

LONDON,SW17 0RG

TEL:0208714545

E-MAIL:020787145454

Dome Tours International Ltd

HARROW ROAD,

LONDON W9 3NA363-365

TEL:02089626630


Daniah Travel Limited

95 ILFORD LANE,ILFORD

ESSEX,1GI 1RJ

TEL:02085531200


Esure Travel Limited

GRAPHICAL HOUSE

320MANCHESTER ST., OLDHAM, OL9 6HQ

TEL:01617858485

WWW.ESURETRAVEL.COM

El-Sawy Travel Limited

149 PARK ROA -LORDS ROUNDABOUT

LONDON NW8 7HT

TEL:02075867979

EMAIL:ELSAWY.COM

Et Hajj And Umrah Tours Ltd

102 STAR STREET

LONDON W2 1QF

TEL: 02077069700

Easy Go Travel&Tours Ltd

418 UXBRIDGE RD

SHEPHERDS BUSH,W12 0NR

TEL:02070180885

[email protected]

Flight Express 19 BLACKSTOCK RD

FINSBURY PARK,N4 2JF


54

TEL:02073548484


Flyuni

13 HIGH RD

LONDON,NW10 2TE

TEL:02084593900

WWW.FLYUNI.CO.UK

Gifto Travel

331 EUSTON RD

LONDON W1 3AD

TEL:02073800558

Haj & Umra Travel Ltd

308 ELGIN AVENUE

LONDON W9 1JU

TEL: 02072861111

[email protected]

Holy Makkah Tours Ltd

34 GREEN STREET,FOREST GATE

LONDON E7 8BZ

TEL:02085524666

[email protected]

Hasan Hajj Tours

HAROLD RD69

LONDON E11 4QX

TEL:02085586552

[email protected]

Interair Hajj And Umrah Ltd

43 WOODHILL

LEICESTER LE5 3QS

TEL:01162532755

[email protected]

Khidmah Travel

139 LEY ST, ILFORD,ESSEX

1G1 4BH

TEL:02075021975

WWW.KHIDMAHTRAVEL.CO.UK

Karawan Al Madinah

266 GIBBET ST.

HALIFAX, HX1 4LT

TEL:01422363599

WWW.KARWANALMADINAH.COM

London For Hajj&Umrah

83 BROAD LANE

LONDON,N15 4DW

TEL:02088803366


Labbaik 263 MANNINGHAM LANE


55

BRADFORD,BD8 7EP

TEL:01274495495


Moresano Limited

38 RIDINA HOUSE

LONDON,W1W 7ES

TEL:02084788911


Noori Travel

33 PARLIAMENT ST.

PETERBOROUGH,PE1 2LS

TEL:01733706515

EMAIL:[email protected]

Nabil Hajj And Umrah

37 NORMANTON PARK

CHINGFORD,LONDON, E4 6HE

TEL:02089237077

Shan Travel

88D THE BROADWAY,SOUTHALL

UB1 1QF

TEL:02085713181


Sada E Madina Hajj& Umrah(Uk) Ltd 38 THORNE ROAD THORNTON LODGEHUDDERSFIELD

WEST YORKSHIRE HD1 3JJ

Salaam Traveland Tours

207 REGENT ST.

LONDON,W1B 4ND

TEL:02073121702


Salahuddin Hajj And Umrah

220 EDGWARE RD.

PADDINGTON,LONDON,W2 1DH

TEL:02077242252


Sky View Travels Ltd

2 STATION BRIDGEWOODGRANGE ROAD

LONDON E7 0NE

TEL:02085552522

[email protected]

Sky Direct Travel Ltd.

32 HELENS RD.

BOLTON,BL3 3NH

TEL:01204665668


Super Destinations 9CRANBROOK RD, ILFORD

IG1 4DU


56

TEL:02037276363


Skylight Travel Services

301 BLACKBURN RD , BOLTON , BL1 8HB

TEL:01204326264


Supreme Travels

467-469 HIGH RD

LEYTON,E10 5EL

TEL:02085585400

The Travel Team

35 MELTON RD ,

LEICESTER LE4 6PM

TEL:01162667778


Travellers Worldwide

313 BARKING ROAD

LONDON,E11 4DL

TEL:02085869644


Polani Travel

84 KINGSLEY RD, HOUNSLOW MDDX

TW3 1QA

07814277708

Qibla Travels

471 LEA BRIDGE RD.

LEYTON, E10 7EA

TEL:02032080000


Inter Air Travel

43 WOOD HILL,

LIECESTER

TEL:07956460080

[email protected]

Hasan Hajj Tours

69 HAROLD RD

LONDON E11 4QX

TEL:02085586552

Hounslow Travel Ltd

96 STAINES RD. HOUNSLOW

TW3 4LF

TEL:02085771121


United Worldwide Travel Limited

193 SEVEN SISTERS RD.

LONDON,N4 3NG

TEL:02072728722



57

6.3 Potential partners

It must be stressed that marketing partnerships with tour operators will require financial investment, for example to purchase space in tour operator brochures or to be featured in tour operator websites. Getting packages featured is likely to take number of years, many sales calls and major focus on relationship management over an extended period of time. This activity is best undertaken by HLITOA members assisted by professional in-market representatives. It is recommended that a long term Cooperative Marketing Strategy is developed involving the use of professional in-market representation (annex 5). Other potential partners are listed below:

1. Turkish Religious organisations

Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (the Religious Affairs Presidency) is a state body and the largest Hajj and Umra organizer in Turkey. Each year the Presidency organizes approximately 100.000 people to visit Mecca and Medina. In 2015 it is including Jerusalem as a destination on some Umra tours for the first time and this has resulted in about 500 visitors. The Religion Affairs Presidency of Turkey is potentially a key partner to promote East Jerusalem in Turkey: It is responsible for around 100.000 mosques: Friday prayer speeches are centralized and speech subjects are decided by the Presidency. Senior East Jerusalem interests could encourage the Religious Affairs Presidency of Turkey to promote further development and inclusion of East Jerusalem to their Umra Tours and might also encourage more general travel to East Jerusalem.

There is therefore an immediate opportunity for East Jerusalem ground handlers, working with TAJ, to put together packages with the Religious Affairs Presidency and other Islamic tour companies16 in Turkey. Contact details are as follows:

Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (Religion Affairs Presidency), General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services, Muhammed Zeyd Özel, Deputy Director. Address: T.C. Başbakanlık Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı Üniversiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulv. No : 147/A 06800 Çankaya/Ankara http://www.diyanet.gov.tr/, Tel: +90 312 295 70 00 HAC VE UMRE HİZMETLERİ GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ (General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services) [email protected]

16 Listing will be provided in the final report.


58

Tel: 0 312 295 75 49 Fax: 0 312 287 62 74 Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (Religion Affairs Presidency), General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services, Yaşar Çapçı, Deputy Director Address: T.C. Başbakanlık Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı Üniversiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulv. No : 147/A 06800 Çankaya/Ankara http://www.diyanet.gov.tr/, Tel: +90 312 295 70 00 HAC VE UMRE HİZMETLERİ GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ (General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services) [email protected] Tel: 0 312 295 75 49 Fax: 0 312 287 62 74 Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı (Religion Affairs Presidency), General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services, Müslüm Aydın, Expert. Address: T.C. Başbakanlık Diyanet İşleri Başkanlığı Üniversiteler Mah. Dumlupınar Bulv. No : 147/A 06800 Çankaya/Ankara http://www.diyanet.gov.tr/, Tel: +90 312 295 70 00 HAC VE UMRE HİZMETLERİ GENEL MÜDÜRLÜĞÜ (General Directorate of Hadj and Umre Services) [email protected] Tel: 0 312 295 75 49 Fax: 0 312 287 62 74

2. Turkish Airlines

Turkish Airlines is also a key partner as the offer special rates for Umra travelers coming with an approved group. This is very important for tour operators to enable them to price their tours and ease their operation. In 2015 under pressure from tour operators the same regulations were applied by Turkish Airlines to both the Tel Aviv Route and Amman routes. This is a recent development and will also facilitate East Jerusalem Tours, especially if Turkish Airlines eases its rules regarding fixed quotas of seats to sell.

3. Palestinian representative embassies

Palestinian representative embassies in target markets can also be partners in marketing Jerusalem to the Palestinian diaspora. Contact details are as follows:

General Delegation of Palestine in France

63 Rue de Commandant Leandri, , 75015 Paris

Phone 33-1-48286600 Fax 33-1-48285062 Email [email protected]



59

Palestinian Representative Office in Berlin, Germany Rheinbabenallee 8 12207 Berlin Germany Tel: (+49) 30 20 61 77 0 Fax (+49) 30 20 61 77 10 Email [email protected] www.palaestina.org

Palestinian Mission to the United Kingdom

5 Galena Road Hammersmith London W6 0LT United Kingdom Tel +44 (0) 208 563 0008 Fax +44 (0) 208 563 0058

Palestinian General Delegation in Belgium

111 Rue Franklin, 1000, Brussels

Phone 322-7352478 / 7351639 Fax 322-7352478 Email [email protected]

There may be scope to build relationships with responsible tourism operators under the Support the Palestinian People banner, working jointly with Embassies.


http://www.palaestina.org/



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ANNEX 1: List of TAJ members (October 2015)

To be inserted.


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ANNEX 2: Mission schedule

Date Activities

Saturday 26 October Travel to Jerusalem

Sunday 27 October Workshop with TAJ Chairman and Cluster Manager on progress

Review of TAJ reports (communications, Al-Bazaar).

Monday 28 October Travel to Ramallah, meeting with TAJ video production company, meeting with PCSCP Acting Team Leader, return to Jerusalem.

Meeting with Mr Sami Khoury, VisitPalestine website & Shepherd’s Travel.

Meeting with Mr Ihab Jabari, HLITOA.

Tuesday 29 October Meeting with Me Tony Khashram, Aeolus Tours

Meeting with Mr Rizek M Petro, ATIC Travel & Tours

Meeting with Mr Rasem Zaatara, Lion’s Gate Travel & Tours

Meeting with Mr Shakib Husseini, Dynamic Links

Wednesday 30 October Meeting with Mr Samir Hahbah, Chairman, Arab Tourist Guides Union

Meeting with Mr Nicolas Guay, AFD

Meeting with Mr Daoud Mouanus, Tour Guide

Meeting with Mr Raed Saadeh, Cluster Chairman.

Thursday 1 November Meeting with Mr Samer Nuseibeh Addar Hotel

Research into Ottoman heritage in Old City

Debrief Cluster chairman & manager.

Meeting with Mr Nasser Al-Amouri, TAJ communications consultant

Friday 2 November Weekend

Saturday 3 November Weekend

Sunday 4 November Return travel


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ANNEX 3: Ottoman Jerusalem 500th anniversary concept note

Introduction 2017 will be the 500th anniversary of the Ottoman rule in al-Quds (Jerusalem). The Pax Ottomana lasted in Jerusalem for 400 years (with some disruptions), ending in 1917. While subsequent rulers have downplayed the history of this period, it was in fact the period when the Old City was beautified, and the beginnings of Jerusalem outside the walls, took its present shape. During this period Suleiman the Magnificent constructed the walls, Haram al-Sharif, the Noble Sanctuary was greatly embellished, churches and synagogues were built, and when local government was established. This concept note highlights the opportunity for Turkey, Palestine and Jerusalem to celebrate the event, build friendships through tourism and leave a lasting legacy for 1517 in 2017. The 2017 opportunity Rediscovering Jerusalem’s Ottoman heritage While most of the Old City visible today is said to have been built by Umayyads, Crusaders and Mamelukes, the Old City and East Jerusalem outside the walls have interesting Ottoman buildings. Little attention is paid to Ottoman heritage by Israeli authorities and no tours specialise in this period. Some are in an advanced state of decay. There is also limited awareness of these sites and Jerusalem’s Ottoman heritage in Turkey. Working with Turkish and Palestinian tour operators the opportunity exists to develop tours to discover this heritage and promote it, helping to fulfil the Turkish-Palestinian agreement to see Turkish visitors to Palestine growing from 24,000 currently to 100,000. A first step with be for the Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association (HLITOA) and Tourism Arts Jerusalem (TAJ) to identify practical tours and quality product in Jerusalem. Turkish tour operators association (TURSAB) members can be invited to familiarize themselves with this new product. Experts from Turkey and Palestine should be engaged to assist research. Promoting Jerusalem’s Ottoman heritage For 2017 a two year customized promotional campaign in Turkey can be designed and mounted using a professional Marketing Representation Company in Turkey for Jerusalem. This campaign will work to inform the Turkish travel trade and public about the 500th Anniversary and the opportunities to visit Jerusalem and Palestine. The campaign will include workshops between HLITOA and the Turkish travel trade in Istanbul, Izmir and Ankara; extensive public relations for the anniversary in the Turkish media; design of a campaign logo and advertising material and the high level launch the 2017 anniversary year in mid-2016. Restoring Jerusalem’s Ottoman heritage Lasting physical legacies of the year will be created. Working with TIKA potential surviving Ottoman architectural heritage in Jerusalem will be identified for restoration through an initial feasibility study. Possibilities include the many embellishments made by Ottoman Sultans to Haram al-Sharif, disused hammams, fountains and other Ottoman sites. Interpreting Jerusalem’s Ottoman heritage Present interpretation of Ottoman sites in Jerusalem is weak and few tour guides have any specialized knowledge of it. Working with TIKA and the Arab Tour Guides Union, TAJ will organize an intensive training programme for tour guides on the Ottoman history and heritage of Jerusalem. This will involve research with Turkish experts, training into Turkish visitors’ needs, intensive training site


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visits to the physical sites, as well as long term training in the Turkish language for guides willing to commit to participation. The 400 year Ottoman history of Jerusalem deserves a cultural and interpretative centre where tourism and the arts can be explained and brought to life. The 500th Anniversary could see the development of such a centre in a prominent position in the Old City as a flagship project. Delivering the Ottoman 500 project A high level steering group should be established for the Quincentenary involving leading Turkish and Palestinian tourism and cultural leaders. A small, professional and well-resourced secretariat and Chief Executive will need to be recruited in both countries to manage the project. Historical background 1517: Selim I Since 1260 the Mamelukes had ruled Palestine from Egypt. In 1517 the army of the Ottoman Sultan Selim I defeated them, so beginning Ottoman rule of Jerusalem. This rule ended exactly 400 years later in December 1917 when the Turkish army staged an ordered withdrawal to save the Holy Places of Kudüs (Jerusalem in Turkish) from damage by advancing British forces in World War I. Suleiman the Magnificent and the city walls During the rule of Selim’s son, Kanuni Suleiman (the law-giver) - known as Suleiman the Magnificent (1594-1566) - the city began to regain its importance. Suleiman rebuilt the city walls that still stand, created ceremonial city gates including the Damascus Gate, improved souks, the water system and established the millet system regulating the different city’s religious communities.. The religious importance of the city

Although not of strategic value, the Ottomans regarded Jerusalem as a city of great religious importance, the third holiest site in Islam. Mosques were beautified and fountains, madrassas, hammams and pilgrim hostels were constructed. Ottoman sultans were Khadim al-Haramayn and responsible for the holy places of Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem. Disruption of Ottoman rule Ottoman rule was disrupted a number of times, most notably in 1831 when the Sultan’s Viceroy of Egypt, Mohammad Ali, sent his son, Ibrahim Pasha, to invade Palestine and Syria. The Palestinians revolted against Egyptian rule in 1834, led by the Husaynis. Egyptian rule ended in 1840 when in return for recognition of his dynasty as rulers of Egypt, Mohammad Ali returned Palestine and Syria to Ottoman control. Jerusalem and control of the Holy Places was also the pretext for the Crimean War (1854-1856) when the Ottomans, supported by Britain and France, fought Russia. Reform

Both under Egyptian rule (when a representative council of notables was created) and during the Tanzimat (reform) era in the Ottoman Empire (1839-1867 and beyond) great change came to Jerusalem. Under Tanzinat municipal government was introduced throughout the Empire: The Jerusalem municipality was one of the first to be established and contributed greatly to the development of the city throughout the second half of the nineteenth century. The process “Ottomanisation” saw the development of equal recognition to all religions and races in the Empire. European consuls arrived in the city and foreign capital flowed in. Churches and synagogues were repaired and many new ones built, creating today’s Old City skyline. Pilgrim hostels were constructed for all faiths. Religious tourism boomed. Prosperity The Turkish Governorate was a prestigious post in the Ottoman Empire, but in reality the city was run by its notable families, including the Husaynis, the Khalidis and the Nasashibis, and some Jewish families such as the Valeros. In 1860 as much as a third of the old city was vacant land: By 1917 the Old City in its present form had been almost fully completed and suburbs outside the walls were developing. By the early 20th century the city had acquired a railway, electric lighting, hospitals, paved roads and hotels. The German Emperor visited in 1898. The Chamber of Commerce was established in 1909. As transport links improved pilgrimage from Europe and in particular from Russia grew in


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economic importance, and Jerusalem was an important stopping point for pilgrims to Mecca. The Ottoman Hajj route (Darb al-Hajj al-Shami) would include an important side trip to Jerusalem to bless the Hajj. Jaffa port was also developed to be a tourism gateway. Under the British Mandate and after 1948 the history of progress during the Ottoman period was downplayed. However the beautiful Old City as we know it today, tourism and the beginnings of its expansion, are largely the results of four centuries of peace during the Ottoman period. 3. Funding the initiative Clearly, extensive funding and professional management and marketing staff are essential requirements to make this great opportunity a success. Targets for the 500th anniversary funding are as follows

€400,000 will be needed to make the Turkey promotional campaign effective;

€400,000 for physical works on restoration, the creation of a permanent interpretative centre

and training; and

€200,000 for coordination, auditing, event launch and PR.

One (Turkish) funder would be preferred but the option of a basket of funders also exists. The indicative budget is broken down as follows:

Market research and initial campaign planning €20,000

Marketing Representation Company in Turkey 30,000

Marketing campaign Turkey (PR, advertising, social media) 300,000

Tour operator workshops in Turkey (3 cities) 75,000

Familiarisation visits to Jerusalem for Turkish operators 75,000

€400,000

Restoration projects 300,000

Development of interpretative centre 200,000

€400,000

Launch events in Turkey & Jerusalem 10,000

Campaign coordination office in Turkey (2 years) 160,000

Campaign coordination office in Jerusalem (2 years) 130,000

€200,000

TOTAL €1,200,000


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ANNEX 4: Outline for Memorandums of Understanding

1. The functions of TAJ

Tourism & Arts Jerusalem (TAJ) is an initiative funded by Agence Française de Développement (AFD) through the Private Sector Development Cluster Project (PSDCP). It is being implemented by the Ministry of National Economy and the Federation of Palestinian Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture. Its objective is to facilitate the development of the private sector through clustering. TAJ seeks to bring together all enterprises belonging to the tourism value chain in East Jerusalem to implement collective projects aiming at developing their competitiveness through a professional coordination function. The following collective activities are being undertaken by the project:

Creating a Palestinian Cultural Quarter as a marketable product, in East Jerusalem.

Identifying and communicating opportunities for new tourism product development and

service improvement to cluster members.

Facilitating the private sector to promote its product collectively, including through

partnerships and fund raising with other organisations, NGOs and national agencies.

Carrying out concrete initiatives with other organizations to improve the image of East

Jerusalem and improving its tourism services.

Developing TAJ as a quality mark guaranteeing Arab welcome, and as a means of ensuring

customer satisfaction.

2. Functions of the partner organisaton


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3. Joint activities agreed during the period January to July 2016

Activity 1: To be implemented by To be implemented by Activity 3: To be implemented by Activity 2: To be implemented by Resources committed by TAJ: Resources committed by partner: Signed for TAJ by Cluster Chairman Signed for XXXXX by


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ANNEX 5: Method for developing a Cooperative Marketing Strategy for East

Jerusalem

WHAT IS COOPERATIVE MARKETING? The goal of cooperative marketing is to leverage local and overseas partner funding to increase visitation, increase tourism expenditures, gain international exposure and strengthen a destination’s tourism brand.

The process involves extensive consultation, developing local support, ownership and buy-in, clustering to develop trust and local leadership, engagement with funders and (most importantly) research-driven professional implementation of a marketing strategy which maintains the confidence of the industry and delivers results. THE CHALLENGE OF COOPERATION IN JERUSALEM East Jerusalem forms part of the Occupied Palestine Territories in accordance with the relevant resolutions and decisions of the United Nations General Assembly and Security Council. The 1993 Oslo Accords led to the creation of a Palestinian Authority with responsibility for the administration of the territory under its control, excluding East Jerusalem. (The issue of Jerusalem was left for final-status negotiations in the Oslo Peace Process). East Jerusalem, once the focus of Palestinian political, commercial, religious and cultural life is increasingly being cut off from the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Many NGOs which support Palestinians have moved to Ramallah owing to the difficulties of Israeli security and the need to engage with the Palestinian Authority. Palestinians in East Jerusalem find it difficult to access services to which they are entitled and for which they pay taxes. As an occupied territory East Jerusalem’s tourism industry receives little support from Jerusalem Municipality and visitors are often discouraged from visiting the area which is often seen as “dangerous”, particularly at night.

Despite these major challenges a core of Arab tourism businesses in East Jerusalem has managed to survive, and continues to trade, primarily focusing on their proximity to the Holy Sites. The TAJ programme funded by AFD has identified niche markets which offer potential for the East Jerusalem product, and the opportunity has suggested a brand (TAJ) based on traditional Arab welcome and a “Palestinian Cultural Quarter” in Jerusalem. This can distinguish East Jerusalem from an increasing bland and internationalized mass tourism market in West Jerusalem.

The Arab hospitality industry in East Jerusalem includes tour operators, hotels, restaurants and craft shops. Without the effective support of the Palestinian Authority’s Ministry of Tourism and with no support from Israel, the industry lacks collective structures to market itself overseas or even domestically. Present donor-funded initiatives are piecemeal and do not cooperate effectively. Individual businesses compete fiercely and sometimes undermine each other. Representative associations exist on a Palestine-wide level but there is no effective, well-funded marketing initiative for East Jerusalem.

A three phase approach is recommended to address this.

PHASE 1: EXPLORING THE OPPORTUNITY FOR COOPERATION A feasibility study is recommended to

See if there is willingness to develop and fund a Cooperative Marketing Strategy (including

international support); key participants need to be the leading businesses in East Jerusalem.

Obtain collective agreement on the main objectives and elements of a competitive

Cooperative Marketing Strategy for East Jerusalem.

Define the governance and human and financial resource needs for delivery over a five year

period.


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A two to three month period should be estimated for this phase. PHASE 2: DEVELOPING THE MARKETING STRATEGY AND SECURING FUNDING If phase 1 produces a positive result, a credible and realistic Cooperative Marketing Strategy should be elaborated in detail as a second phase. The strategy should be developed with the key players identified in phase 1 and a corporate structure to engage them established. Phase 2 should also secure funding for implementation. Potential funders would include:

Larger tourism businesses in East Jerusalem

Tour operators and transport operators in Jordan, Turkey and elsewhere which benefit from

tourism to Jerusalem

Responsible tourism companies in source markets willing to support East Jerusalem

Donors and NGOs supporting Palestine

International donors including Arab countries, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Aga

Khan Foundation, etc.

A six to eight month period should be estimated for phase 2. PHASE 3: RECRUITING STAFF AND DELIVERING THE STRATEGY Once the strategy, funding and corporate structures are in place, recruitment of staff and overseas representation should be initiated, as directed by the detailed Cooperative Marketing Strategy. A two month executive search period would be likely, followed by the securing of office premises and the commencement of marketing activity.

tourism and the creative arts cluster, jerusalem - taj market... · 2016-10-09 · tourism and the...

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