AGREEMENT ON PREPARATORY TRANSFER OF POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Annex IV

Protocol Concerning Preparatory Transfer of Powers and Responsibilities in the Sphere of Tourism

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The powers and responsibilities of the military government and its Civil Administration in the sphere of tourism will be transferred to and will be assumed by the Palestinian Authority.

The sphere of tourism shall include all matters dealt with in the laws, regulations and military orders listed in Appendix A.
This includes the responsibility for regulating, licensing, grading, supervising and developing the tourist industry and its services within the scope of such terms in the laws, regulations and military orders listed in Appendix A, as well as maintaining and promoting foreign and domestic tourism, developing visitors' interest in tourist sites and encouraging the development of tourist services around them in coordination with the Civil Administration, or if the site is under the responsibility of another authority - in coordination with that other authority. It also includes organizing exhibitions, popular and cultural festivals and events and tourism conferences.
This sphere shall cover tourism activities conducted by private, public, non-governmental and foreign bodies.

In exercising its security authorities, the military government will take into account tourism considerations with the objective of minimizing any harmful effect on the industry or any consequences that may prejudice its productivity and continued development.

The military government and its Civil Administration will assist and support the Palestinian Authority in developing the tourism industry, promoting the expansion of tourist facilities such as hotels, restaurants and travel agencies, and in removing obstacles that may hinder the growth of the industry.

The transfer of powers and responsibilities to the Palestinian Authority shall not affect the continued authority of the military government and its Civil Administration to exercise their powers and responsibilities for security and public order as well as for other spheres, including the sites referred to in paragraph 2 above, authority over which has not been transferred.

The tourism authorities of Israel and the Palestinian Authority shall promote and encourage tourism to the region for the benefit of both sides.

Travel agents, tour companies, tour guides and other tourism businesses (hereinafter "tourism entities") authorized by the Palestinian Authority will be allowed to conduct tours that include Israel, provided that their authorization as well as their operation is in accordance with rules, professional requirements and standards agreed upon in the subcommittee on tourism of the JEC.

Pending that agreement, existing tourism entities in the West Bank that are currently allowed to conduct tours that include Israel, will be allowed to continue to do so.

Tour buses or any other forms of tourist transport authorized by the Palestinian Authority, and operated by companies registered and licensed by it, will be allowed to enter and proceed on their tour in Israel if such buses or other vehicles conform with the standards currently in effect in the West Bank and provided that they conform with international standards that have been adopted. All such vehicles will be clearly marked as tourist vehicles.

Tourism companies and agencies licensed by the Palestinian Authority shall enjoy equal access to tourism-related facilities and amenities in border points of exit and entry according to the regulations of the Israeli authorities.

A joint committee will be established between Israel and the Palestinian Authority to facilitate coordination and cooperation on tourism issues, including the promotion of tourism.

Appendix A

Laws, Regulations and Military Orders in the Sphere of Tourism

Temporary Tourism Law, No. 45, 1965, except for articles 2(4)E, 4(1), 4(5), 7(2), 7(3), 14(3)
article 2(5) except for provisions regarding Tourism Regions

Regulations regarding Equipment and Promotional Services and Constructive Activities of the Tourism Authority, No. 44, 1966

Financial Regulations of the Tourism Authority, No. 45, 1966

Tourism and Travel Agency Regulations, No. 46, 1966

Regulations regarding Commercial Oriental Souvenir Emporiums, No. 47, 1966

Regulations regarding Commercial Oriental Souvenir Emporiums, (Amendment No. 6) (Judea and Samaria), 1988

Regulations regarding Tour Guides and their Supervision, No. 48, 1966

Regulations regarding Guest Houses and their Supervision, No. 49, 1966

Order regarding Temporary Law for Tourism, No. 45, 1965 (Judea and Samaria), No. 917, 1981

Regulations regarding Tourism and Travel Agencies (Amendments 1-4) (Judea and Samaria), 1976

Regulations regarding Commercial Oriental Souvenir Emporiums (Amendment No. 3) (Judea and Samaria), 1982

Regulations regarding Commercial Oriental Souvenir Emporiums (Amendments 1-6), 1976, 1980, 1987, 1988

Regulations regarding Tour Guides and their Supervision (Amendment No. 5) (Judea and Samaria), 1988

Regulations regarding the Prohibition on Acceptance of Commissions by Tour Guides, 1976

Decision regarding Escorting Tourists as a Branch of Tourism (Judea and Samaria), 1982

Regulations regarding Guest Houses and their Supervision (Amendments 3 and 4), 1988, 1990

Instructions regarding Guest Houses and their Supervision (Minimal Standards for Ungraded Hotels) (Judea and Samaria), 1975

Instructions regarding Guest Houses and their Supervision (Principles of Hotel Grading) (Judea and Samaria), 1976

Instructions regarding Guest Houses and their Supervision (Offering Drinking Water and Citrus Fruits during Meals) (Judea and Samaria), 1985

Regulations regarding Tourism Offices (Judea and Samaria), 1989

Regulations regarding Licensed Tourist Emporiums (Judea and Samaria), 1977