Alternative Tourism Group

The Alternative Tourism Group (ATG) is a Palestinian NGO specialised in tours that present a critical look at the history, culture and politics of Palestine and its complex relationship with Israel. Located in Beit Sahour, near Bethlehem, the ATG was founded as a non-profit tourist agency in 1995, when many Palestinians felt that their contemporary culture and the political realities they were living did not find adequate expression in conventional pilgrim- oriented tourism. Our programs are both critical and experiential in nature. They include: 1. Tours led by specially-trained guides throughout Palestine and Israel highlighting issues of cultural, historical, political and social importance; 2. Encounters with Palestinians and Israelis, including local people, community leaders, government officials, political figures and academics; 3. Accommodation in Palestinian homes, which offer an opportunity to experience local life and interact with families. Interfaith encounters including meetings with Muslim, Christian and Jewish personalities; 5. Specially designed programmes to meet the needs of study groups and fact-finding missions.