Aa part of its philosophy of connecting practice with theory, the Tour Guiding Program at the Institute of Hotel Management and Tourism at Bethlehem University organized a training field trip for its students on Sunday, 2 November 2025, to a number of prominent religious and historical sites in the Bethlehem Governorate. The tour forms part of the academic plan designed to enhance students’ practical knowledge and equip them with hands-on skills in tour guiding and interpretation.
The group was accompanied by Mr. Ibrahim Salama, a prominent tour guide and lecturer in the program, who provided the students with detailed explanations rich in historical, religious, and cultural information about the sites visited. He also offered practical guidance related to interpretation techniques, guiding skills, and managing tourist groups.
The tour included a visit to Mount Herodion, where the students learned about the most important features of the palace-fortress built by King Herod and the main archaeological discoveries associated with the site. The group also visited Mar Saba Monastery, one of the oldest Christian monasteries in the East, where they were introduced to the history of monasticism and ascetic traditions.
The itinerary also featured a visit to Deir Ibn Obeid (Monastery of Saint Theodosius), where students explored the monastery’s spiritual and historical role and its significance in serving pilgrims throughout history. In addition, the group visited the Shepherds’ Field sites of both the Greek Orthodox and Latin traditions, where they received explanations related to the Annunciation to the Shepherds and the diversity of ecclesiastical narratives and religious traditions associated with the location.
The tour concluded with visits to the Church of the Nativity and the Milk Grotto, where students conducted an in-depth analytical tour focusing on the religious, cultural, and heritage significance of these sites and their importance on the global Christian pilgrimage route.
The students expressed the great value of such training tours in enhancing their practical experience and linking theoretical knowledge with real-life tourism contexts, contributing to the refinement of their skills and preparation for professional work in the tourism sector with a high level of expertise and a deep understanding of Palestinian religious and historical heritage.
