PALESTINIAN SOLIDARITY TOURISM : A RAPID ASSESSMENT OF HOST EXPERIENCES AND PERCEPTIONS

This exploratory study examines Palestinian host experiences with, and perceptions of, Solidarity Tourism in Palestine (STP). Solidarity tourism is a form of justice tourism that emphasizes solidarity with the subjects of oppression. This form of tourism emerged in response to mass tourism that has often replicated colonial dynamics around the globe. In the Palestinian context, solidarity tourism has been employed for decades and is estimated to be a $20 million dollar industry. However, for an industry that is intended to respect the agency of the hosts, surprisingly, there is limited scholarship on host perspectives and experiences. This study hopes to address this gap by utilizing a rapid assessment approach featuring ethnographic methods and is guided by Makkawi’s (2009) call for critical community psychology in Palestine. Data collection included semi-structured interviews with Palestinian hosts. Data was analyzed using MAXQDA following Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis approach. Solidarity tourism in Palestine is both a strategy for nonviolent resistance against Israeli settler-colonialism and a pragmatic source income. Results include forms, pathways, motivations, impacts, and potential improvements to solidarity tourism in Palestine.