Towards the development of the tourism sector in Palestine: Challenges and recommendations

This study explores the challenges facing the Palestinian tourism sector and provides recommendations for its development. A systematic review methodology was used to analyze relevant studies, categorizing challenges into three areas: (1) occupation-related barriers, (2) internal structural obstacles, and (3) marketing and technological limitations. Key recommendations were extracted and synthesized. Findings indicate that the Israeli occupation imposes severe movement restrictions, site destruction, and misinformation campaigns. Internal obstacles include weak infrastructure, economic constraints, and inadequate professional capacity. Marketing and technological limitations hinder global visibility. Addressing these challenges requires political advocacy, infrastructure development, economic investment, and digital marketing strategies. Palestinian tourism has strong potential but is hindered by political, economic, and marketing barriers. A comprehensive strategy integrating political resolutions, economic development, and modern marketing approaches is essential for sustainable growth. The study provides actionable insights for policymakers and tourism stakeholders, emphasizing infrastructure improvement, digital marketing, and global advocacy to enhance the sector’s sustainability.