November 2009
Dear friends,
The good news is that more people are taking our alternative tours, up 50% from last year despite a slowdown in tourism in general. This means that the social mission of Tours in English is being fulfilled as people are being exposed to the realities of the Occupation. However on the negative side it looks like we may be heading for another Intifada or political upheaval.
Since the White House has backed down from it's earlier demands for a settlement freeze, the outlook is bleak. Netanyahu's victory over Obama means business as usual in the West Bank, and ever diminishing chances of a viable and sovereign Palestinian state emerging.
If the Palestinian elections are held as planned early next year, Tours in English, in cooperation with Palestinian organizations, will be helping organize an international election monitoring team in Nablus. Let me know if you are interested in joining the team.
All the best,
Fred Schlomka, Director
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Christmas in Bethlehem
The Yultide Season will soon be here and the Holy Land is gearing up for a large influx of visitors. Hopefully you will be among them.
There are several special tours planned over the holiday season. The 24th and 25th December will feature all-day tours from Jerusalem to Bethlehem with our usual mix of political and cultural activities, and a special focus on the festivities at Nativity Square.
More information and reservations
Road Trip & Speaking Tour - January 2010
Fred Schlomka will be on a road trip
from Seattle to Boston during the first two weeks in January 2010, visiting both coasts and driving a southern route. (
see map) Fred's presentation will include a an overview of his work in developing alternative tourism, analysis of the current situation on the ground, and a discussion of the possibilities for a Union or Confederation of Israel/Palestine.
The route of the tour
can be seen here. If you live in one of the areas on the route, or within a few hours drive off the route, then please consider hosting a presentation at your home, or through an organization you are affiliated with.
Download the tour flyer.
The tour is being sponsored by
AAPER, The American Association for Palestinian Equal Rights. For more information or to schedule a presentation, please contact their office.
Contact person: Heidi Schramm tel. (202) 683-8438
or email:
speakers@aaper.org
Tipping in Israel & Palestine
To tip or not to tip? Visitors to the region are often confused about local tipping habits. In general Israelis and Palestinians do not tip often. However the expectations for foreign visitors are a little different.
If you are planning a visit to the country, please take a few minutes to review the local tipping practices. This can help avoid awkwardness or embarrassment in some situations.
Continue reading.
Justice Tourism Survey
ToursinEnglish.com is pleased to assist a Dutch researcher in exploring the background of Justice Tourism. If you have participated in one of our tours, please consider taking the survey.
‘Justice Tourism’ is a term that describes, in part, the types of tours conducted by ToursinEnglish.com. Please help this important research by filling in this questionnaire. It takes roughly 5 minutes.
Even for those of you that have not taken this type of tour, please take the time to fill in a few questions. Your contributions will still be useful. It’s anonymous and there are no right or wrong answers
The questionnaire
can be found here.
Thank you!
Darlene Hodge,
International Tourism Management & Consultancy student
at the NHTV University of Professional Education in Breda, The Netherlands
