Experiential Tourism
OVERVIEW
From October 7-12, we were honored to host a delegation of cultural tourism and hospitality professionals from the Palestinian territories. Experiential tourism is a small but growing sector of the Palestinian tourism industry, which seeks to tap into a wealth of underutilized cultural resources to build an independent Palestinian tourism industry that will create more business opportunities and jobs. The group examined the development of successful cultural tourism enterprises, their organizational structures and sustainability models, marketing and recruitment strategies, and the effective use of technology to drive interest in cultural heritage sites and tourism experiences.
PARTICIPANTS
Mr. Moin ABU SHKHAIDEM
Company Owner, Doors Palace Co
Mr. Zaid AZHARI
Operations manager, Masar Ibrahim al Khalil (Abraham Path)
Mr. Bassam HADDAD
Administration Manager, Director, Haddad Tourist village
Ms. Mallak MANSOUR
Program Manager, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung
Ms. Shurouq MOUSA
Trekking guide, Palestinian Heritage Trail
Mr. Numan SALHAB
Compliance Officer, Al Abdeen Exchange and Money Transfer Co. LTD
ACTIVITIES
During their visit to New Orleans, the delegation engaged with leaders from several local museums, including the Backstreet Cultural Museum, Southern Food and Beverage Museum, and the Historic New Orleans Collection.
Joseph Dunn, Director of Communications for Laura Plantation, guided the group on a tour of the historic site, while sharing insights into how the museum interprets the complex history of slavery in Louisiana through records and first-hand accounts of the individuals who lived and worked on the site.
The delegation also participated in a workshop with Brandon Pellerin, owner and founder of Calas Cafe, illustrating how culinary heritage brings people together and strengthens connections to the past. Mr. Pellerin spoke about the historical and cultural significance of calas, sweet rice fritters once sold on the streets of 19th-century New Orleans primarily by enslaved women and free women of color. Mr. Pellerin described how he has harnessed culinary and cultural tourism into a sustainable and growing business model that preserves and supports the culture and people of his community.
Additionally, the group explored the Louisiana outdoors at the Audubon Louisiana Nature Center, where rangers showcased local wildlife and plant life, and discussed how the expansive nature park benefits the New Orleans East community and educates the public about coastal Louisiana's ecology and natural history.
Along with their professional meetings, the group also had the opportunity to meet with leaders of the local Palestinian-American community at Masjid Omar in Harvey, LA.
