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Local
tourism was recognized and developed more
than a hundred years ago, due to the many
attractions of the city’s location
including, but not limited to, the city's
financial and structural resources, the
diverse climates, and the existence of some
antique sites. The development began
spontaneously in resting areas. For
example, coffee shops emerged on valley
banks, near the waterfalls, and on the main
street which links the West Bank with the
Jordanian crossing bridge. Tourism was
noticeably developed with Oslo’s signature
agreement. Today about 12 projects exist for
the construction of places for relaxation,
including swimming pools, play grounds for
children, and coffee shops. Likewise, shops
which displayed paintings, sculptures, and
the products from the local basket industry
also existed. Lately, we’re making efforts
to revive aspects of life here which once
flourished, but have unfortunately
disappeared. The efforts are supported
through our coordination with the feminism
association. Also, there are public areas,
like the valley’s bank, and the forests,
which lack services and are limited to
interior tourism for families, school trips,
and camps from the West Bank and the
occupied land of 1948, as well as some
foreign delegations. Tourism ministry
statistics in 1998 estimated that there are
more than six hundred thousand visitors
throughout the season, which begins in March
and ends in October. Unfortunately, in spite
of all these promising characteristics, the
development began inappropriately, as a
result of the lack of infrastructure and the
low level of services. This shortage led to
serious problems which limited the potential
to develop the tourism industry and
appropriately utilize the existing
resources. The most significant obstacles
which impeded in the growth and development
of this district were the political,
economic, and safety conditions, as well as
the closing of the roads. It is important to
point out, that the council of Al-Bathan
village and the higher organization for
tourism have the collective vision and the
necessary will to bring definition and
crucial development this district in terms
of infrastructure and services.
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