2008 Programs and Events
Supporting Bethlehem Tourism
Visiting the USAID-supported Beit Jala Christmas market, Acting Principal Officer Greg Marchese and USAID Deputy Director David Harden joined Consulate staff to meet with vendors and do a bit of holiday shopping. In cooperation with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, USAID has provided $90,000 in support for holiday activities in Beit Jala, Bethlehem and Beit Sahur. The funding aims to promote local tourism by strengthening sales of local products and attracting greater numbers of visitors to the region. Activities funded under the initiative include special children's events, enhanced outdoor, community holiday decorations and paid transportation for 30 buses of tourists to the Bethlehem area.