http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/in-bethlehem-tourism-is-reborn-but-only-for-a-few-2168437.htmlA live Nativity is presented in front of the Israeli separation barrier for Christmas festivities in Bethlehem

In Bethlehem tourism is reborn, but only for a few

By Catrina Stewart in Bethlehem
Friday, 24 December 2010

Artists have made a tidy sum depicting an imaginary scene where a pregnant Mary and Joseph are puzzled by Israel's separation wall blocking their entry into Bethlehem.

The tourism industry, devastated by the Second Intifada that erupted a decade ago and the erection of the wall around the town, is now experiencing something of a rebirth. Pilgrims, drawn to the traditional birthplace of Jesus, are flocking to the town in droves.

"You won't find a room in Bethlehem this Christmas," says Dr Samir Hazboun, director of the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce. "It's now better than it was in 1999."

Bethlehem's recovery is nothing short of remarkable. Although the town lies just three miles from Jerusalem

, the journey is logistically complicated. The eight-metre-high wall, which Israel erected in 2003 citing its security needs, has severed the town both physically and psychologically from Jerusalem.

Tourists must navigate an Israeli checkpoint, often involving a wait of 90 minutes, to move between the two towns, and the wall reinforces the impression that Bethlehem, a scene of fierce fighting during the intifada, is still not entirely safe.

Tourism is at its highest level since the millennium celebrations in 2000, the start of the intifada and Bethlehem's decline. Visitor numbers are up 60 per cent from last year to 1.45 million, and 90,000 tourists are expected over Christmas alone.

Until recently, most people would make a fleeting day trip to Bethlehem, spending most of their cash in Israel...READ MORE