Bethlehem Tourism Drop-off

The recent violence in the Gaza strip is being felt in the holy city of Bethlehem. Officials there say many tourists have canceled their trips this Christmas.

FOX News Radio’s Emily Wither has details from Bethlehem:

As storekeepers finish off the final touches to their window displays and hotels here prepare for the arrival of Christian pilgrims from around the world, it’s expected there’ll be fewer visitors this year.

Rishmawi: “Mainstream tourism, a lot of cancellations. I’ve been checking different travel agencies; they lost a lot because people are afraid to come.”

That’s Palestinian tour guide George Rishmawi. He says the Christmas trade is a top money maker for businesses here. But the recent fighting between Israel and Gaza has a lot of Christians staying away. Bethlehem is home to the Church of the Nativity, where Christians say Jesus was born.

In Bethlehem, Emily Wither, Fox News Radio.