Groups to help you Plan Alternative Travel

Denominational missionaries or representatives are the primary people to help you in addition to your denominational Middle East office.  If you are not able to work with a denominational representative, there are other groups which may be willing to help you set up itineraries that go beyond basic standard travel. While they are not travel agents, they can supply a variety of services in helping you plan beyond the standard mass travel. They do work with travel agents as needed in planning.  They can also recommend local travel agents to help you.  Most of them charge fees but they are still non-profit and supported by broader, often international, agencies.

The following are some of the non-governmental, non-profit agencies who have helped people in the past. Since personnel changes, they may or may not be able to help now. Because of the re-invasion in spring 2002, some may not be open any more.  It is important to call in advance.  (The + before the telephone or fax number means to dial the appropriate code to dial out from your own country.

Bethlehem Bible College
    POB 127, Hebron Rd.
    Bethlehem, West Bank
    Tel: +972-2-274-3278 Fax: +972-2-274-3278
    Email: info@bethlehembiblecollege.edu
    Websitte: www.bethlehembiblecollege.edu

Catholic Relief Services - USCC - Services all Christian groups in their People Meeting People Program in cooperation with the Presbyterian Church (USA) and The United Methodist Church (Board of Global Ministries)
    52 Nablus Rd., POB 19447
    Jerusalem 91193
    Tel: +972-2-582-8149 Fax: +972-2-582-9280
    Email: jer@crsjwbg.org

International Center of Bethlehem (program called "Authentic Travel")
    Paul VI St., Al-Madbassah, POB 162
    Bethlehem, West Bank, via Israel
    Tel: +972-2-277-0047 Fax: +972-2-277-0048
    Email: info@annadwa.org; Website: www.annadwa.org

Mennonite Central Committee
    Mount of Olives, POB 19208
    Jerusalem
    Tel: +972-2-582-8834 Fax: +972-2-582-5823
    Email: mccwb@palnet.com

Quaker Service
   P.O. Box 51822
   East Jerusalem
   Tel: +972-55-875-469; Fax: +972-2-6262 535
   Email: qiar@quakerservice-jer.org

World Vision Jerusalem
    AugustaVictoria, Mt. of Olives
    POBox 51399
    Jerusalem
    Tel: +972-2-628-1793 Fax: +972-2-626-4260
    Email: wvision@palnet.com; Website: http://jerusalem-westbank-gaza.worldvision.org

Several Palestinian non-religious organizations are working on alternative or responsible travel (in addition to the church-related or NGO groups above). They are not travel agents. They charge for their services (which helps the Palestinian economy) and provide competent help for groups or individuals.

Alternative Tourism Group (ATG)
(Focus on meeting Palestinians, volunteer projects, and home stays)
    POB 173
    Beit Sahour, West Bank via Israel
    Tel: +972-2-277-2151 Fax: +972-2-277-2211
    Email: atg@p-ol.com

Alternative Tours by Abu Hassan
(Regular tours of Jerusalem and West Bank for small and large groups. Can be booked on the spot.))
    c/o Jerusalem Hotel
    Nablus Rd. POB 20754, Jerusalem
    Tel: +972-2-627-7216; Fax: +972-2-628-3282
    Email: raed@jrshotel.com
   also call at +972-52-864205

Artas Folklore Center
(Includes Ethnographic Museum, folklore shows and walking tours)
    Artas Village, Bethlehem
    Fax: +972-2-274-4046

Holy Land Trust
(Develops unique travel programs for Christians or Muslims.)
   P.O. Box 127 Manger Street
   Bethlehem, Palestinee
   Tel: +972-2-276-5930; Fax: +972-2-275-5931
   Email: Palestine@holylandtrust.org
             Info@holylandtrust.org

PACE: The Palestinian Association for Cultural Exchange
(Guided bus tours in Palestine and a newly published tour guide)
    Akash Bldg., 4th floor, Al-Bireh
    POB 841
    Ramallah, West Bank, via Israel
    Tel: +972-2-298-6854 Fax: +972-2-998-6854
    Email: PACE@planet.edu