Travel & Encounter: Transforming Tourism into Advocacy

Mike O'Brien
Jul 9
2 min read

Updated: Aug 16

***Click on the image to learn more about the Holy Land Trust and about pilgrimage as both a spiritual journey and an act of solidarity***

We wish to embrace the values of a pilgrimage of justice and peace as described by the World Council of Churches. To walk in the footsteps of Christ - open to encountering Him in the people we meet and by deeper immersion into the culture and life of the land we visit.

The Travel & Encounter Program is one vision of a more engaged way of pilgrimage.

The Holy Land Trust invites international visitors to delve into the daily life, history, and culture of the region. Through thoughtfully curated experiences, participants engage directly with local communities, gaining first-hand insights into the resilience, challenges, and aspirations of the people.

This experience goes beyond a mere visit—it is a journey of learning, connection, and transformation. Travelers return with personal stories and a deeper understanding to share with their own communities.

Holy Land Trust is a founding member of the Network for Experiential Palestinian Tourism Organizations (NEPTO), which unites 18 local organizations committed to ethical, community-based tourism development in Holy Land. This network ensures that tourism directly benefits local communities, supports local businesses, and provides authentic, first-hand experience.

The Travel & Encounter program is crafted to bridge the gap between international visitors and communities of the Holy Land, fostering mutual understanding and collaboration.