Minister Avraham plans regional tourism conference
PA tourism minister confirms her participation in summit which will bring together Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian ministers, who all happen to be women
This is the first time that the tourism ministers in the three governments are female. Avraham-Balila recently sent a letter to her two counterparts and suggested that they take advantage of this opportunity, convene a summit and form a joint attractive tourism package for Israeli, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan.
"We have a rare opportunity at this time, being three women in the same position. We can use our feminine ability and skills, and this is an opportunity to market joint tourism to Jordan, Bethlehem and Israel, while the tourists arriving will be able to receive a better exchange for their money."
Avraham's initiative did not fall on deaf years. On Monday, the tourism minister's office received an enthusiastic appeal from Palestinian Tourism Minister Dr. Khuloud Daibes, confirming her participation in the meeting.
In her letter, Daibes wrote that she was moved by Avraham-Balila's appointment as tourism minister.
"We women are indeed facing a rare opportunity to advance regional tourism together for the benefit of all nations, and I have already instructed my office's deputy director-general to organize the meeting and build an agenda."
The tourism minister's office is still waiting for an answer from Jordanian Tourism Minister Maha Khatib.
Khatib recently referred to Israel "the Zionist enemy" on Jordanian media, a statement which enraged the Israeli Foreign Ministry. However, sources in Minister Avraham Balila's Office believe that the Jordanian minister will also accept the offer.
"There is no doubt that we as women have clear advantages and have the ability to create the feminine power which will lead to the flourishing of tourism to Israel," said Avraham-Balila.
Danny Sadeh contributed to this report
