Jerusalem Development Authority to exhibit at London travel trade fair

The World Travel Market in London will host a stand operated by the Israeli government's tourist office from November 3 to 5. The exhibition includes the Jerusalem Development Authority, a statutory body involved in development projects across the city. This presence occurs as the British government has recently moved to restrict the promotion of illegal settlements.

The JDA is listed on the event website alongside other organizations such as iTravelJerusalem. According to the trade fair's own materials, these entities share a booth within the Israeli government's pavilion. The JDA works with the Jerusalem municipality and is responsible for various infrastructure and housing initiatives in the region.

Critics have long pointed to the agency's role in expanding settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. In 2020, the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement stated that the JDA expropriates land for biblical parks, displacing Palestinians in violation of the Geneva Conventions. The group specifically cited the expansion of the Gilo settlement as an example of the agency's activity.

A 2025 report from the European Union representative for the West Bank and Gaza Strip detailed plans by the JDA to evict approximately 40 families from the Umm Haroun compound in Sheikh Jarrah. The report noted the intention to build a 320-unit settlement on the site. Other projects include a cable car scheme approved in 2020, which faces local opposition and the withdrawal of four foreign companies despite continued promotion.

The JDA is also promoting the renovation of the Mamilla Pool tourist site in the old city. Critics argue this project threatens a centuries-old Palestinian Muslim cemetery. Additionally, the agency plans a large housing project near the Palestinian community of Beit Safafa in East Jerusalem. Israel’s stand at WTM London is also shared with Africa Israel Hotels, a company previously linked to settlement projects in the West Bank.

The timing of the exhibition follows recent political developments in the UK. Last month, the British government recognized Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory as illegal. In September, Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told parliament that the UK would ban the advertising of illegal settlements. He referenced a previous event where settlement land was promoted, stating, 'We must and we will ensure that that never happens again.'

In 2010, the UK advertising regulator banned an Israeli tourist campaign for implying East Jerusalem was part of the state of Israel. The regulator concluded the ad was likely to mislead the public. WTM did not respond to requests for comment before publication. The event describes itself as the world's most influential travel and tourism gathering, where professionals connect to build partnerships.