As part of the joint collaboration between Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association
(JITOA) and the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI)
under the Jordan Tourism Project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and the, an introductory workshop was held on Wednesday, November 13 th
2024.
The workshop targeted JITOA members to introduce the Travelife certification program,
which accredits tourism companies and establishments according to global sustainable
tourism standards.
The session highlighted practical tools and strategies to enhance sustainability within
the tourism sector.
This event is part of the activities organized by JITOA for its members, in collaboration
with its local and regional partners, to promote responsible tourism in Jordan and
contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry.

In coordination with JITOA, with technical support from the FAO, and the EBRD, a FAM
trip took place on Saturday, November 2, to exhibit and showcase the potential in
Jordan's agricultural tourism sector.
Such initiatives serve to boost innovation and diversification of tourism, while supporting
local farm communities and ultimately growing the economy.

This tour also provided the opportunity for JITOA members to get as close a view as
possible of the two regions, Karak and Ghor Al-Safi, with an emphasis on distinctive
Agri-tourism.

The trip started with an interactive visit to one of Book Agri projects in Al Karak, where
the participants joined in the rural way of life. They visited the family of Mr. Abu Ashraf
in the Mujib area, then visited Ms. Hanaa Al-Qadiri, where the participants mastered
traditional cheese-making techniques. Participants obtained first-hand information on
the production and preservation of white cheese at home.

It included a visit to the Bayet Al Jameed Al Karaki project for exploring the value chain
of various dairy products. The visit ended with a delicious meal that was constituted of
Karaki Mansaf, prepared with local ingredients by women of the Karak Governorate.

The final stop was at Al Safi Kitchen in Ghor Al-Safi, where participants were introduced
to various activities offered by the project, including bicycle tours and seasonal
harvesting of vegetables.

This collaborative initiative has pointed out great opportunities in Jordan's agricultural
tourism sector, emphasizing the possibility of diversification in tourism experiences and
contributing to the growth of local economies. Agriculture and tourism combined point to
new pathways in sustainable development and resilience at the community level.

As part of the continuous collaboration between n the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators
Association - JITOA and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, JITOA organized an
interactive dialogue session for its members with H.E. Mrs. Lina Annab, Minister of
Tourism and Antiquities at the Grand Hyatt Amman Hotel.
Ms. Ghada Iskandar Najjar, Chairwoman of JITOA, who gave a warm welcome at the
beginning of the session, briefed on the challenges that face the inbound tourism sector
due to the current situation and the ongoing war in Gaza.
The event was attended by Dr. Fadi Balawi, Secretary General of the Ministry; Dr. Abdul
Razzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board; and JITOA members.

During the Q&A session, members had the opportunity to ask questions, share their
concerns, and discuss the challenges they are facing in these difficult times. H.E. Ms.
Lina Annab conveyed her interest and readiness to assist in every possible way,
reaffirming her dedication to supporting the tourism sector and addressing the members'
urgent needs.

On October 22, 2024, FAO and with technical support from the EBRD in collaboration with JITOA, hosted a seminar for JITOA members to introduce them to the growing potential of agri-tourism in Jordan. This session aimed to provide key insights into how agricultural tourism can diversify the country's tourism offerings, boost innovation, and support local farm communities, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

The seminar highlighted the vital role of agri-tourism projects in fostering sustainable development and building resilience at the community level. By combining agriculture and tourism, these initiatives create new pathways for local economies, offering visitors authentic, immersive experiences that highlight Jordan’s agricultural heritage.

Participants gained a deeper understanding of how agri-tourism can enhance the visitor experience, from traditional food production to rural life activities. The seminar emphasized the importance of integrating agricultural practices into tourism, promoting not only the beauty of Jordan’s natural landscapes but also the rich cultural and culinary traditions tied to its farming communities.

As part of ongoing efforts to boost the tourism sector, JITOA continues to focus on supporting its members in exploring innovative tourism opportunities, with agri-tourism serving as a key area of growth. The association remains committed to showcasing Jordan’s diverse tourism potential and enhancing the skills of its members to deliver unique and sustainable experiences for incoming visitors.

In partnership with JICA and JITOA, a seven-day familiarization (FAM) trip to Jordan took place from September 8th to 14th, with representatives from seven international tour operators and three influencers participating. The trip aimed to highlight the unique local tourism experiences of the Petra region, focusing on its rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage.

The group explored a range of sustainable tourism initiatives supported by JICA, which emphasized promoting authentic local experiences while empowering surrounding communities. Activities included a traditional Bedouin dinner and stargazing, immersive rural life experiences in Rajif, and pottery design workshops. Participants also walked eco-tourism trails, learning about the ancient Nabataean water systems and their historical significance.

The FAM trip offered valuable insights into Petra’s diverse tourism offerings, showcasing the potential for sustainable development and collaboration between JICA, JTB, and local communities. During the Ammarin experience, participants suggested adding yoga retreats and similar wellness activities. Stargazing was a highlight, with attendees recommending longer sessions paired with traditional Arabian coffee and Bedouin tea.

At the Petra Pottery Association, visitors had the opportunity to draw on pottery and proposed extending the experience to include a full pottery-making session, from shaping the clay to designing their own creations.

One of the trip’s standout experiences was the Rural Life Experience in Rajif, where participants enjoyed engaging with local families through traditional customs and henna designs for women. They suggested enhancing this experience by introducing more hands-on activities, such as preparing a traditional meal alongside the host family, to offer deeper cultural immersion.

This FAM trip not only showcased Petra’s rich tourism offerings but also demonstrated the importance of sustainable tourism and community-based development, providing valuable feedback for future enhancements to the region’s tourism experiences.

In collaboration with Dale Carnegie Training, the Jordanian Association for Incoming Tourism organized a specialized training day for its members, including inbound tour operators and hotels. The workshop, titled "High Impact Presentation & Public Speaking," was designed to enhance participants' presentation skills and confidence in public speaking.

At the end of the session, participants received certificates accredited by Dale Carnegie’s headquarters in New York.

This training is part of a continuous series of professional development initiatives coordinated by the association to improve the practical skills of employees within member companies, with a particular focus on the inbound tourism sector.

In partnership with the Petra Development Authority, The Rock Camp in Petra, and the Jordan Heritage Revival Company (JHRC), the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) successfully hosted a Familiarization (FAM) trip to Petra and Shoubak on August 3-4, 2024. This exclusive event was designed for JITOA members to experience the unique features of these historic sites and to display the outstanding services and accommodations available in the region.

The primary focus of the trip was to explore Petra’s back trail, offering participants a distinctive view of the ancient city. The guided tour, coordinated with the Petra Development Authority, provided an in-depth look at Petra’s remarkable landmarks and delivered valuable historical and cultural insights. During the visit, participants also had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Hamzeh Aliani, who shared his expertise and insights into the site’s preservation and development.

After exploring Petra, the group spent the night at The Rock Camp. Renowned for its fusion of traditional Bedouin hospitality and modern amenities, the camp's experience was further elevated by the exceptional service provided by Mr. Kareem Mufti and his team. Their warm and attentive care made the overnight stay truly memorable for all attendees.

On the second day, participants inspected The Rock Camp and experienced a new model of camps and services in the Petra area. They then traveled to Shoubak, where they were welcomed at the Montreal Hotel by JHRC CEO Mr. Muayyad Abu Rumman and his team.

Mr. Abu Rumman delivered an engaging presentation on the Jordan Heritage Revival Company’s (JHRC) various locations and projects. The presentation highlighted the diverse range of sites managed by JHRC, including cultural and historical landmarks across southern Jordan. It also displayed several adventure trails and tourism projects designed to enhance visitor experiences in these regions.

Following the presentation, the group enjoyed sweeping panoramic views of Shoubak, explored the historic Shoubak Castle, and experienced exceptional local hospitality.

Amman, Jordan – The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) with the support of the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain in Jordan held its 20th Power Breakfast event at the Amman Marriott Hotel to explore tourism relations between Jordan and Spain. The event aimed to get together members of the association and those interested in the Spanish market to discuss future ways of collaboration in tourism between both countries.

Distinguished guests at the event included His Excellency Dr. Fares Braizat, Head of the Petra Commission; His Excellency Mr. Miguel de Lucas, Ambassador of Spain to Jordan; and His Excellency Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Tourism Promotion Authority. Mr. Awni Kawar , advisory board member and on behalf of Mrs. Ghada Al-Najjar, President of JITOA, opened the meeting by welcoming the guests and addressing the challenges facing the tourism sector. He also discussed proposed solutions to overcome these challenges and explored opportunities for joint tourism cooperation between Jordan and Spain.

The Spanish Ambassador expressed his gratitude to JITOA for hosting the event. He emphasized the safety that characterizes Jordan, highlighting the factors that attract Spanish tourists to the country. He also underscored the cultural and historical ties between the two nations. Furthermore, he reiterated Spain's support for Palestine, in light of the recent aggression against Gaza.

Dr. Fares Braizat provided insights into the current situation in Petra, commonly known as the Rose City, and highlighted the connections between Petra and the Andalusia region.

Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat and his team from the Tourism Promotion Authority presented detailed plans aimed at increasing the number of Spanish tourists visiting Jordan. This presentation was part of a broader exhibition on European tourism trends, with a special focus on Spanish tourists.

The event concluded with a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to pose their questions and inquiries to the speakers.

In collaboration with JITOA, a recent FAM trip was organized in partnership with FAO – EBRD Strengthening backward linkages between local agricultural producers and the tourism industry project. This exclusive journey on July 3, 2024, from Amman to Ajloun and back, offered an in-depth exploration of Jordan's vibrant Agri-tourism sector. The adventure began by testing out some experiences operated by Bookagri and by enjoying a delightful Kishek Laban breakfast and a visit to a lush lemon orchard, highlighting Jordan’s rich agricultural heritage. Participants then engaged in a 2-hour workshop at Dar Ne’ma in Kufranja, discussing global Agri-tourism trends and Jordan’s promising potential in this field. This was followed by a delicious traditional lunch celebrating local flavors. The highlight of the day was a visit to Taybeh Farm, where participants learned about the fascinating process of distilling fruits, herbs, and blossoms into hydrosols and essential oils. This experience highlighted the innovative spirit within Jordan's Agri-tourism landscape. The FAM trip not only spotlighted the immense opportunities in Jordan's Agri-tourism sector but also emphasized its vital role in boosting the local economy. Looking forward to future collaborations and further explorations of Jordan's unique tourism treasures!

Training Day on "Effective Communication Skills" in Collaboration with Dale Carnegie

In partnership with Dale Carnegie Training, the Jordanian Association for Incoming Tourism organized a specialized training day for its members, including inbound tour operators and hotels. The session, titled "Effective Communication Skills," aimed to enhance communication capabilities within the tourism industry.

At the end of the training, participants received certificates accredited by Dale Carnegie’s headquarters in New York.

This training day is part of a series of professional development activities and workshops organized by the association to elevate the skills and competencies of employees within member companies.

Jitoa, Jordanian Inbound Tourism Association, convened its annual General Assembly today, Monday, February 26, 2024, at the Century Park Hotel in Amman. Ms. Ghada Al-Najjar presided over the meeting as Chairperson of the Board of Directors, with attendance from board members, staff, supporters, representatives from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the auditor, and legal counsel.

During the session, attendees discussed financial and administrative reports and approved the final accounts for the fiscal year ending in 2023, following unanimous agreement upon review of the audit report. Furthermore, the Al-Talaf Audit Company was appointed as the association's auditing firm for 2024.

The Chairperson presented a comprehensive overview of the association's achievements, activities, initiatives, and agreements during 2023, highlighting efforts to support the tourism sector and inbound tourism, particularly in response to regional challenges, including aggression against our people in occupied territories. An advisory council comprising former association presidents was also announced to benefit from their extensive experience in inbound tourism.

The General Assembly endorsed the management board's report and financial statements for 2023, absolving the board of any liabilities.

In conclusion, members who had paid subscriptions for 2024 elected a new board of directors for the years 2024-2026, including:

Ghada Iskandar Al-Najjar (Chairperson)

Yasir Mulhas (Vice President)

Ayman Abdel Karim (Treasurer)

Nidal Bani Issa (Secretary and Spokesperson)

Arwa Mahadin (Member)

Tareq Sameeh (Member)

Sarah Al-Sharif (Member)

The new board will develop the association's administrative plan for 2024 and beyond, building upon previous councils' achievements and shaping the association's future activities.