Tourism Planning Challenges and Prospects in A Destination with Political Conflict: The Case Study of Nablus City, Palestine

The phenomenon of tourism is a direct pathway to economic growth and international peace. It is a highly political-sensitive sector to such as wars, protesting, partisan conflicts, crises and terrorism, which will result in a distorted image of the destination leading to an alienation of tourists. The state of Palestine particularly Nablus city suffered from the volatility of the tourist situation due to the ‘Zionist Occupation’ who considers Nablus as ‘The City of Terrorism’, as it has a unique geographical location and high potentials, which led to the creation of challenges and pressures on the city and its people. This study aims to shed the light on the political challenges that beset tourism development and its adequate planning. This research is also tries to provide an overview of Nablus city including the demographic characteristics, explaining its touristic status and exploring the city’s potentials. This study is also exploring the constraints facing the Palestinian tourism in Nablus city. For the purpose of this study, a qualitative/inductive method was employed. Data collection and analysis involved an in-depth interview with various respondents who are associated with the tourism related institutions. Overall, 20 respondents were located and interviewed. The study revealed that lack of adequate infrastructure is curtailing the development of tourism. The study also explored that the occupation is one of the major hindrance to the establishment and consolidation of a productive tourism sector. Another important finding of the research is lack of trained human resources and inadequate services, especially in accommodation sector. A novel solution is also suggested that could become a pathway to revive the tourism sector in Nablus. The implications and limitations of the study is also discussed. Keywords: Tourism planning, Political conflict, Occupation, Palestine, Nablus