Palestinians working in the tourism industry hope that Pope Francis' upcoming visit to the Holy Land, his first as pontiff, will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy.

Tourism has been big business for Palestinians living in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.But decades of political turmoil and violence in the region has discouraged travellers from visiting the Holy Land.

In the biblical city of Bethlehem, tourism slumped during the early years of a Palestinian uprising against Israeli forces, or Intifada, that erupted in 2000.

The industry has been steadily recovering since the violence began to wane in 2004, and visitors have been gradually drawn back.

According to Christian tradition, Jesus was born in the West Bank city, spent much of his life in Nazareth and the northern Galilee region of Israel, and was crucified and resurrected in Jerusalem.Palestinian business owners now hope that the pope's trip to the Middle East, which will include Jerusalem and Bethlehem on Sunday (May 25) and Monday (May 26) will further encourage visitors to venture back to the Holy Land and visit the ancient biblical sites.

"We expect, as it is thought, that during and after the pope's visit, there will be an active economic situation, especially in the tourism sector," Nabil Giacaman, owner of a souvenir shop in Bethlehem said.

According to a report issued by the World Bank last year, Israeli control over Bethlehem and other Palestinian cities is preventing Palestinian areas from realising their full economic potential.

Palestinians say they currently rule over only 13 percent of land in Bethlehem, and anyone wishing to enter the city must pass through a towering wall with watchtower and a checkpoint manned by armed Israeli soldiers, further discouraging visitors from coming.

A Spanish tourist in the West Bank, aware of the complicated political situation, said that he makes it a point to frequent local businesses.

"I came here with two friends, so I think it is a good thing to buy things here locally to helping the people. Because we know that there is like, they are struggling a lot, so they have some problems, as they say, with Israel, so I think it is a good thing to help local people in a way,

buying things and souvenirs," he said.

The Palestinian Minister of Tourism Rula Maayah said that Pope Francis' decision to shun bullet-proof vehicles during his trip, insisting on being as close to people as possible, will further portray the West Bank as a safe place for tourists.