Bethlehem Faces Somber Christmas as War and Economic Crisis Devastate Tourism, Businesses | N18G

Bethlehem, traditionally a major pilgrimage site, faces a dire Christmas season for the second year in a row due to the ongoing Gaza war. The city’s tourism, which once fueled 70% of its economy, has collapsed, with hotel occupancy dropping to 3% and visitor numbers plummeting from 2 million in 2019 to under 100,000 in 2024. Manger Square is empty, businesses are struggling, and local handicraft industries are at risk as families emigrate in search of work. Bethlehem's unemployment rate is 50%, and many traditional workshops may close permanently, impacting Palestinian heritage and culture. Christmas celebrations have been cancelled to highlight the crisis.


#BethlehemChristmas #TourismCrisis #EconomicCrisis #WarImpact #MiddleEastNews #Christmas2023 #GlobalNews #BethlehemTourism #BreakingNews #HolidaySeason

Subscribe: https://bit.ly/moneycontrolyoutube
Follow us:
Visit https://www.moneycontrol.com/
Facebook:   / moneycontrol  
Twitter:   / moneycontrolcom  
Instagram:   / moneycontrolcom