12/02/12, 11:47:09 EST

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Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) conducts first Familiarization (FAM) Trip of 2009 to Salt!

www.jitoa.org

General managers from JITOA’s tour operators members and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Jordan Tourism Development Project II of the US Agency for International Development (Siyaha II), Tourism Police, Balqa governorate, and the Tourism Directorate and the Municipality of Salt and JETT transportation joined Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities staff in touring the Historical Old Salt Museum, located in the newly-renovated Abu Jaber House on Saturday, February 7.

FAM trips are a chance to highlight new tourism destinations and activities for tour operators. Thus, FAM trips ensure that tour operators have the most up-to-date knowledge about the tourist sites and activities of the kingdom.

Participants toured the Abu Jaber House at 10:00 am and then listened to presentations by JICA and Siyaha II about all the work that has been completed in Salt and what additional projects are planned.

“This FAM trip is a great opportunity for our members to see the beautiful, renovated museum, which was supported by JICA and to hear about new projects that Siyaha II and the ministry are pursuing,” remarked JITOA chairman Ayham Fakeralden.

Participants of the FAM trip walked some of the new designated city trails of Salt. JICA, Siyaha II, and the ministry have worked on building new steps and creating lookouts and view points at various locations in the city.

“We are utilizing our experience in developing the tourism product in Madaba and Wadi Rum to create a tourism development strategy for Salt and are working closely with MoTA to involve all stakeholders in implementing this strategy,” said Mr. Ibrahim Osta, chief of party of the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project II. “This includes local government, the private sector and entrepreneurs, and the community in Salt.”

After the presentations, Ayman Abu-Jalmeh, director of Balqa Tourism Directorate, guided the participants through some of the designated city trails, pointing out historical Ottoman homes and giving insight into Salt’s rich history.

Participants also took a tour of the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf’s new training center in the historic, restored old English Hospital. Brother Andrew L. de Carpentier, director of the Institute, was on hand to give a tour and update participants about the many services, handicrafts training, and educational opportunities the institute offers.

Finally, participants walked through Suq al Hammam, Salt’s wonderful market street.

“Salt has important classical, religious, and voluntourism aspects in its environs. Besides the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, there are numerous tombs of important Islamic prophets in and around Salt. The architecture is unique and is a welcome addition to any tour. In fact, we encourage our members to visit Salt first and then drive south on the highway to the Dead Sea. It is a great way to showcase what Salt has to offer and another route to the Dead Sea,” remarked Nizar Al Adarbeh, executive director of JITOA.

Due to the overwhelming positive response, a second FAM trip will take place on Sunday, February 8 for the operations, marketing and sales staff of JITOA members.

About JITOA

JITOA is a private, voluntary, business association that was started in 2003 to represent the tour operator industry. JITOA advocates on behalf of its members for sound tourism public policy and offers education and training opportunities for members and non-members. Its mission is to raise the standard of inbound tourism to Jordan. JITOA has more than 60 members including tour operators, hotels, tour guides, and tourism education professionals.

 Printable Version  | published Feb 15, 2009