Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (Palestine)
| Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | 1994 |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Palestine |
| Headquarters | Ramallah, Palestine |
| Minister responsible |
|
| Website | www.mota.ps |
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is a governmental body responsible for the development and management of the tourism sector in Palestine, as well as the preservation and protection of the country's cultural heritage and antiquities. Hani al-Hayek is the current minister.[1]
Established in 1994, the ministry's main goal is to promote Palestine as a unique and attractive tourism destination, with a focus on cultural and historical tourism. The ministry works towards achieving this goal by developing and implementing policies, strategies, and programs that support the growth of the tourism industry in Palestine, while also ensuring the preservation of the country's cultural heritage sites.[2][3]
The ministry's main activities include the identification, protection, and restoration of historic sites and buildings, as well as the development of cultural and heritage tourism products and services. The ministry also provides support and guidance to local communities and businesses involved in the tourism industry.[4]
Additionally, the ministry is responsible for regulating and licensing tour operators, travel agencies, and other tourism-related businesses in Palestine, as well as providing training and educational programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of the tourism workforce.[5]
List of ministers
| # | Name | Party | Government | Term start | Term end | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minister of Tourism | ||||||
| 1 | Elias Freij | Independent | 1, 2 | 5 July 1994 | May 1997 | |
| 2 | Mitri Abu Aita | Independent | 3 | 9 August 1998 | 13 June 2002 | |
| Minister of Tourism and Antiquities | ||||||
| 3 | Nabeel Kassis | Independent | 4, 5 | 13 June 2002 | 30 April 2003 | |
| (2) | Mitri Abu Aita | Independent | 6 | 30 April 2003 | 7 October 2003 | |
| 4 | Salam Fayyad | Independent | 7 | 7 October 2003 | 12 November 2003 | |
| (2) | Mitri Abu Aita | Independent | 8 | 12 November 2003 | 24 February 2005 | |
| 5 | Ziad al-Bandak | Independent | 9 | 24 February 2005 | 29 March 2006 | |
| 6 | Joudeh George Murqos | Independent | 10 | 29 March 2006 | 17 March 2007 | |
| 7 | Khouloud Daibes | Independent | 11, 12, 13 | 17 March 2007 | 16 May 2012 | |
| 8 | Rula Maayah | Fatah | 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 | 16 May 2012 | 31 March 2024 | |
| 9 | Hani al-Hayek | Fatah | 19 | 31 March 2024 | Incumbent | |
See also
References
- ^ "State of Palestine - Council of Ministers".
- ^ "Travel Palestine". www.travelpalestine.ps. Retrieved 2025-07-27.
- ^ Abukumail, Ali H. (February 2013). "Experiential Tourism in Palestinian Rural Communities : 'Abraham's Path'".
- ^ "UNESCO Ramallah Office and the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities celebrate the inscription of two Palestinian World Heritage sites".
- ^ "DevelopmentAid".