The Holy Land Incoming Tour Operators Association was established in the summer of 2005. This private sector association was preceded with about a year of discussion on the form and structure of the association. It is registered in Jerusalem as non-profit association under the name of the Arab Tourist and Travel Association. Steps are being taken to register in the PA areas too.
The HLITOA compromises 38 member Tour Operators working in the (Inbound) incoming tourism. The HLITOA members are the main source of tourism in general and pilgrimage in specific, which as well plays as an active private sector pillar for the Palestinian Economy bringing in foreign currency, and directing business to other tourism service providers such as hotels, transport companies, guides, etc; and creating major employment opportunities. There are many travel agents in Palestine who sell airline tickets (Outbound); however, these are not eligible to become members of HLITOA. Only Incoming Tour Operators are eligible for membership.
The HLITOA was established because Palestinian Incoming Tour Operators (Private Sector) recognized the necessity of working together to develop their business as well as the tourism industry overall. A rapidly changing world offers both challenges and opportunities and individual companies need to act together to respond to them. In Palestine PITO are faced with fierce competition from the Israeli tourism industry which is supported by the institutions of the Israeli Government.
Elections were held on August 13, 2005, where the HLITOA general assembly elected a board of 9 members, and on January 1st 2007 an Executive Director was appointed to run the day to day operation.
Message from the President
