Bethlehem May Charge a Fee for Tourists to Enter

Bethlehem wants every tourist entering the city to pay approximately, the Bethlehem-based Ma'an News Agency reported.

Ramallah also is considering a tourist fee.

Deputy Mayor of Bethlehem Issam Juha told Ma'an, "Tourists have so far been receiving services for free, and now we are considering a mechanism to make them pay a fee which would help us improve public services, including wireless internet, maps and tour signs.

Tourism expert Dr. Hamdan Taha warned that a fee could boomerang, according to Ma'an, because it night drive tourists away.