The workshop commenced in Burqin Municipality Hall by a welcoming speech by Mr. Muhammad Sabah; the Mayor of Burqin. Mr. Soboh welcomed the audience and highlighted the importance of the town of Burqin especially that is considered a significant tourist attraction and has the fourth oldest church in the world. He also highlighted the importance of the collaboration of the local community to protect the Cultural and Historical Heritage which is considered a responsibility that falls on each and every person in the Palestinian community. The rehabilitation of Jarar Palace is done under the supervision of the Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation is considered a first step into encouraging tourism and developing the tourist facilities in Burqin. Mr Soboh has also mentioned ways to make the management plan a success in which it will benefit Burqin and the local community if succeeding.
The representative of the Governor of Jenin Governorate, Mr Ahmad Al Qassam, emphasized the importance of the heritage in which it tells the story of generations. He Thanked the Centre for Cultural Heritage Preservation on their efforts and he also thanked the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism on their continuous support. Mr Al Qassam highlighted the importance of tourism which contributes in a solid part of the economical sector.
Arch. Issam Juha; the director of CCHP highlighted the importance of such a project which is funded by The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in coordination with the Ministry of Antiquities and Tourism which has a huge part of making this project a success. He also mentioned the importance of focusing on the tourist attraction with the participation of the local community. The Jarar Palace that will work as an information centre is considered a first step into the participation of the local community in the tourism sector.
Moreover, the Tourism and Antiquities Minister emphasized that the Ministry is working greatly to preserve the cultural heritage to be a tourist's attraction from all around the world. She also focused on the importance of preserving the historic towns including Bethlehem, Bethany and Burqin. H.E. Rula Ma'aia also praised the role of CCHP in protecting and preserving the cultural heritage in which Palestine holds significant history and culture that goes back ages. Therefore such rich history and culture needs collaboration and cooperation from everyone to achieve the development of the town.
By the end of the workshop Arch. Sami Murra presented the Management Plan the Conservation and Management plan for the historic town of Burqin and the proposed strategies of such so. He also presented a proposal of a full tourist programme that focuses on the natural trails. Arch. Murra discussed the problems and needs of the town of Burqin and the procedures of solving them.
The workshop came to an end by a tour in the town to get to know the town and the proposed tourist route. The participants in the workshop have paid tribute, expressed their joy and thanked everyone who has made the workshop a success.
