Managing Director Briefs Cabinet on the Vote for Petra Campaign.

    PM Forms Higher Committee to Support Petra’s New 7 Wonders Bid.

    Jordan Escalates to 3rd Place on French Destination Reports.

    MoTA & JTB Host Turkish Minister of Tourism and Tour Operators.

    JTB Sponsors the Second Annual Grumpy Gourmet Awards and Gala Dinner.

    JTB Participates in EIBTM.

    JTBNA Participates in USTOA.

    The JTB Concludes its South American Market Study.

    JTB Holds a Workshop for Its Employees.

    JTB Marks One Year Anniversary on its Petra Survey

    JTB Changes Representation in its Office in Austria.

    JTB to Co-Sponsor Ads with Members for GCC.

    RJ Celebrates EMBRAER 195 Joining its Fleet.

    Aqaba’s Yamenia South Beach to be Developed into a Residential, Tourist Scheme.

    ADC, Jordanian-Emirati Consortium Launch Joint Venture to Upgrade Aqaba’s Port Services.

    The Christmas Spirit Comes Alive in Madaba.

    JTB Gave a Presentation at “Cultural Products are the Identity and National Heritage”.

    Grand Hyatt Amman – Voted “Top hotel in the Middle East” by Conde Nast Traveller (USA).

Board of Directors Approve 2007 Marketing Plans

The JTB Executive Committee approved the Jordan Tourism Board marketing plans for the year 2007. The plans in most markets, especially those with mature distribution basis, will focus on the consumers. To assist the industry in their marketing efforts and to gain the best momentum, the JTB will make a comprehensive summary of all activities in each market available to all JTB members, tourism associations, airline companies and other interested parties. The detailed plans will be made available to JTB members on the premises and can be accessed by appointment.

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Vote for Petra Press Conference

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board held a joint press conference at the Petra Movenpick Hotel for the local, regional and international press to garner support for Petra’s bid to become one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities/Chair of the JTB Board HE Mr. Osama Dabbas and Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board Mr. Mazen Homoud briefed an audience of journalists on the promotional campaign and marketing plan that was designed to encourage votes for Petra.
After the press conference the attendees were invited to tour Petra where several reporters filmed TV segments that were later aired on different stations. Many articles also appeared in local and regional daily and weekly newspapers. 
Votes can be cast online www.visitjordan.com, by telephone no. 090009300, or by sending through SMS the word “Petra” to MobileCom and Umniah (92381), and Fastlink (91181).

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Managing Director Briefs Cabinet on the Vote for Petra Campaign

The Jordan Tourism Board took its New Seven Wonders campaign to another level with increased support from the public and private sector. The initial campaign has reached its short term goal of becoming a national and regional responsibility and has started to make the news in various media and garner support in many communities.

Mr. Mazen Homoud, Managing Director of the JTB, gave a two hour presentation to the cabinet regarding the project and the plans being undertaken to garner public support for the voting. Extensive discussions also covered a brief on JTB’s insights and aspirations for the campaign, as well as the marketing and promotional schedules it had prepared.

The cabinet was also briefed on the event that is being organized on January 16th on the occasion of the filming of Petra during the inspection visit of the Swiss foundation that is organizing the New Seven Wonder project. The event will center on reviving Petra to the Nabatean times by depicting a single busy day in the space in front of the treasury.

Petra will be transformed into the Nabatean City that it was 2000 years ago. The location will be studded with actors from the local community all dressed in Nabatean garment and performing what would have been an every day activity in the past. The theatrical performance will also include the Roman Army and Chariot Experience to demonstrate the Roman presence in the area. Forty-five legionaries in full armor will exhibit the Roman Army drill and battle tactics, while ten gladiators fight “to the death” and chariots compete in a classical seven lap race.

The event will be caught on the cameras of the N7W Foundation and made into a 50 minute documentary to be distributed to reputable television and cable stations. The JTB will also film and photograph the event for its own promotional purposes.

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PM Forms Higher Committee to Support Petra’s New 7 Wonders Bid

Prime Minister HE Dr. Marouf Bakhit formed a higher committee to oversee Petra’s bid to become one of the 7 New Wonders of the World. Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Mr. Osama Dabbas will chair the committee with the general directors of the Jordan Tourism Board, the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation, the National Information Centre and the Petra Regional Authority, in addition to representatives from Royal Jordanian, hotel & travel agents associations. 

Jordan Escalates to 3rd Place on French Destination Reports

CETO, the National Association of French Tour Operators, issued its annual report with encouraging figures for Jordan. The report studies the popular destinations for France; for 2006 Jordan was one of the growing markets and landed 3rd with an increase of 34.3%. The Maldives Islands was first with a 90.1% increase, and the Netherlands second with 49%. The average expenditure for one week stay is around 800 euros which represents a 4.7% increase from last year.

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MoTA & JTB Host Turkish Minister of Tourism and Tour Operators

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board hosted Turkish Minister of Tourism Atilla Koç and his official delegation in addition to representatives of the Turkish travel trade on 21st of December, 2006.

Prime Minister Marouf Bakhit also met with Koç and stressed the key role of tourism cooperation in improving economic, trade and industrial ties between the two countries.
JTB members were invited to attend a workshop with the Turkish delegation to discuss possible business ventures. The workshop was held at the Le Royal on the 21st of December and was attended by JTB members and guests. The delegation also visited Petra, Bethany and the Dead Sea.

Due to the growing importance of the Turkish outbound tourism and the potential of that market for Jordan, the JTB and some of its members attended for the first time EMITT in March 2006. The Turkish Tourism Minister’s visit will also be of great support to the JTB in its efforts to better position Jordan in the Turkish outbound tourism market.

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JTB Sponsors the Second Annual Grumpy Gourmet Awards and Gala Dinner

The Jordan Tourism Board sponsored the second annual Grumpy Gourmet awards ceremony and gala dinner held at the Four Seasons Amman on December 17th, 2006. The prestigious awards ceremony was held to honor the individuals and establishments of the hospitality industry.

JTB’s sponsorship of such events comes as recognition of their importance in Jordan. It also lays much hope that this event will become a regional one where the hospitality industry in nearby countries would also take part.

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JTB Participates in EIBTM

JTB participated in EIBTM, the annual Global Meetings and Incentive Exhibition, which took place in the Fira Gran Via, Barcelona on the 28th-30th of November, 2006. 
The exhibition gathered nearly 3,000 international suppliers, with 6,000 visitors, Hosted Buyers and press to meet for 3 full days to discuss business opportunities, networking and professional education.

This year EIBTM witnessed a 21% growth from the previous year, with a total exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, 328 main stand holders of which at least 50 were first timers.

Four Jordanian DMCs, two convention centers and Royal Jordanian participated under the Jordan Tourism Board pavilion. JTB had several meetings with the trade sector and press. It had the chance to showcase its product, build and strengthen relationships and contacts, in addition to individual pre-scheduled appointments with its existing and potential business clients.

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JTBNA Participates in USTOA

JTBNA had a compelling participation in USTOA in Phoenix, Arizona, between the 8th and 12th of December, 2006, during which it introduced the new concept of VolunTourism into the market at the third annual Smithsonian - Jordan Tourism Board luncheon.

This year JTBNA introduced a new concept into the market place with the focus of trying to give Jordan an edge that differentiates the destination from all others. Ms. Malia Asfour, Director of JTBNA introduced a new form of “VolunTourism” in a speech which described the new initiative and presented a short slide show illustrating the concept by using photographs and drawings made by the children from the Al-Hussein Society for the Handicapped. The idea was met with immense support and created a buzz at the conference.

The conference was attended by three JTB members. JTBNA in cooperation with the Movenpick Hotels & Resorts and Royal Jordanian Airlines provided a package for two persons to spend six nights in Jordan for the “Tourism Cares for Tomorrow” annual silent auction. It was the most popular package with the highest bid.

In addition to the very positive feedback Jordan received at USTOA their board of directors agreed to hold the USTOA Out of Country Workshop in Jordan in the spring of 2008. If timed well, this could coincide with the Jordan Travel Mart. The publicity and positioning Jordan could gain from this event within the industry will be unmatched.

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The JTB Concludes its South American Market Study

The JTB Research Department recently concluded its extensive study of the South American Market. The study was initiated to explore the expansion opportunities into new markets, and analyzed in depth a total of 10 countries in South America.

The JTB studied the countries in depth and based the analysis, ranking and final score on a wealth of data of economic and demographic information, outbound tourism by destination, average expenditure, and competitor’s performance in the same markets.

All the indicators lead to a conclusion that it will be economically feasible for Jordan to invest in that market. The number or arrivals recorded in adjacent countries, as an example, are encouraging for Jordan to start profiting from this market. The JTB study identified both Brazil & Argentina as the countries with the highest potential.

The JTB will present the study to its Board of Directors and study the best possible action plan for the coming year in this regards. The study will also be made available to JTB members on the B2B site as soon as it is in its final form.

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JTB Holds a Workshop for Its Employees

The Jordan Tourism Board held a workshop for its employees mirroring a training organized by the UNWTO that was attended by two members of the team earlier in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The workshop, entitled “Evaluating National Tourism Organizations Marketing Strategies”, was implemented at the JTB office over a two day period. The staff worked in groups that tackled case studies by analyzing and devising an evaluation strategy to study the impact of JTB’s marketing strategies, consisting of Media & Press / PR activities, Consumer Advertising and Travel Trade Marketing activities. The groups then presented their results and moderated discussions. The activity was an educational and team-building experience that allowed the staff to incorporate their various knowledge bases for one end result. 

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JTB Marks One Year Anniversary on its Petra Survey

The JTB marked one year in December from its official administration of the Petra survey. The anniversary came well acclaimed as it was deemed the official source for Petra data by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.

The Petra survey was initiated in August 2005 and withstood a trial period through December of the same year when it was fine tuned and published officially. The survey became a core data collecting tool where it includes information such as the nationality, age group, profession, gender, age and others. The surveys are filled out by each Petra visitor and are collected on a monthly basis from the visitor’s center in Petra. A specialized data entry officer then disseminates all the information on a tailor made software after which an in-depth report is produced. The report has become an important piece of information on Petra visitors and allows the marketing team to better understand, analyze and direct marketing activities.

In correlation to its one year anniversary and its official recognition by MoTA, the Petra survey will become a more closely monitored study and quarterly reports will be published based on the information analysis. This year the results will be used to evaluate MBR performance. 

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JTB Changes Representation in its Office in Austria

The Jordan Tourism Board decided to replace its account manager in Austria, Mr. Bernd Kaefer, and is exploring possible replacements in search of a new team member to fortify the synergized efforts in promoting Jordan in Austria.

The current activities at the JTB Austria office are provisionally being handled by Mrs. Michaela Felmayer, the General Manager of the MBR office in Vienna, until the position is filled. The JTB views this transition as an optimistic one that will strengthen its presence in the Austrian market.

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JTB to Co-Sponsor Ads with Members for GCC

The JTB announced to its members that it is in the position to provide support to GCC based tour operators by co-sponsoring ads in their local media for the Eid Al Adha holidays.

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RJ Celebrates EMBRAER 195 joining its fleet

Royal Jordanian organized a promotional journey to Paphos, Cyprus on the occasion of the first of seven EMBRAER 195 airliners joining the airline as a result of a contract RJ signed with the Brazilian firm Embraer in March 2006.

Royal Jordanian President / CEO Mr. Samer Majali said the other six will join the RJ fleet over the next two years. He said: "The airline will operate this aircraft, which was delivered on Dec. 1st, 2006, along with the remaining six, on the short- and medium-haul routes in the Middle East, the Arab Gulf, North Africa and Europe. This will thus serve RJ's vision, launched at the beginning of this year, that it be ‘the airline of choice connecting Jordan and the Levant with the world."

He stressed that the airline's vision is to develop Amman into a regional hub by enhancing the daily frequency of flights on the short- and medium-haul routes, such as Beirut, Damascus, Istanbul, Athens, Larnaca, etc., and by adding new points in the region. For this end, using this type of aircraft of high operational economics, Royal Jordanian will be able to boost its operations regionally. The move will serve Royal Jordanian which is readying to officially join the OneWorld airline alliance during March 2007, which will expand its operations in various points in the world.

RJ president said that RJ’s selection of this class of aircraft came after conducting studies on its specifications and the purpose of operating it. EMBRAER 195 is the largest, with most seating capacity, of the four types of airliners Embraer manufactures. It is configured to carry 100 passengers in a two-class layout, with 12 seats in Crown Class and 88 seats in the economy.

Majali pointed out that the arrival of the first of these aircraft comes one week after RJ concluded its medium-haul fleet modernization drive. RJ introduced six Airbus A320s and A321s, which have distinguished quality technical and services specifications for seats, seat pitch, music, games and means of passenger entertainment, and each passenger can now enjoy watching their favorite programs on a special screen installed on every Crown and Economy class seat. "RJ fleet will thus count 30 modern aircraft by the mid-2008,” said Majali.

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Aqaba’s Yamenia South Beach to be Developed into a Residential, Tourist Scheme

The Yamenia south beach in Aqaba will be developed into a residential and tourist scheme under an agreement signed in Dubai on December 5th, 2006.

While taking part in the December 2-6 Cityscape exhibition, the Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and Madaen Al Aqaba Company agreed to develop the area as high-end residential and tourist compound chalets/time share units in addition to a beach club and other supporting facilities.

The project was designed to ensure diversity in tourism projects in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA). So far, the city has seen top-notch projects, including five-star residential units and hotels. The Madaen project is likely to be affordable to a larger segment of Jordanians and their guests.
According to a statement by the ADC, the investment arm of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), the project will be spread on 190,000 square meters of land, with a built-up area of around 10,000 square meters. Construction is likely to commence early 2007.

Noteworthy is that there are development projects worth $8.5 billion currently under way in Jordan.

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ADC, Jordanian-Emirati Consortium Launch Joint Venture to Upgrade Aqaba’s Port Services

Aqaba Development Corporation (ADC) and a Jordanian-Emirati consortium that groups Lamnalco (Emirates) & Jordan National Shipping Lines launched a joint venture for upgrading services at Aqaba’s main port on December 16th, 2006.

ADC Chairman and CEO Imad Fakhoury described the joint venture, named the Aqaba Company for Vessel Services, as a significant step to restore, develop, operate and manage the marine services at Jordan’s sole seaport. According to Fakhoury, Aqaba’s marine services are in immediate need for development and improvement to enhance their regional competitiveness.

The joint venture will manage and operate the towing, pilotage, mooring and line boats, as well as the slipway besides maintaining the ports tidal heights, disposing of waste and a range of other support services.

Other tasks to be shouldered by the company are introducing advanced operating systems, recruiting qualified Jordanian nationals to work at the port and providing employees with training both in Jordan and abroad. In addition, it will be required to enhance the safety procedures for ships, goods and passengers in line with international agreements.

The company will be responsible for fire and pollution fighting as well as rescue services that will be developed according to the demands of ADC, the Ports Corporation, the Navy, the Marines Authority or any other concerned authority.

The Aqaba Ports Corporation will continue to handle all responsibilities including managing the Prince Hamzeh Centre for Pollution Control and other master services. 

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The Christmas Spirit Comes Alive in Madaba

The streets of Madaba came alight with Christmas cheer as the seasonal festival of Christmas in Madaba was launched on December 16th, 2006. A tree lighting ceremony was held at Madaba Inn Hotel on the 17th to illuminate the streets of Madaba and its largest Christmas tree, and inaugurate the start of the event.

Christmas in Madaba is organized by the Madaba Tourism Development Association (MTA), a newly established NGO aiming to support tourism development in the Madaba governorate. Christmas in Madaba will continue this weekend, from December 21st to 23rd, with a bazaar, musical performances, specialty foods and drinks, and activities for children at the visitor center.

“Christmas in Madaba aims to become an annual themed event that can develop into a major tourist attraction – one that is unique to the region,” said Bassam Twal, Chairman of the MTA. This supports the implementation of the Madaba Tourism Development Strategy, which aims to transform Madaba into a world class destination for religious, adventure and cultural tourism.

A local competition is being held to award the best decorated businesses and homes in the centre of Madaba. The festival thus aims to attract local, resident and foreign visitors to this historic city for a unique cultural experience. 

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JTB gave a presentation at “Cultural Products are the Identity and National Heritage”

JTB gave a presentation at “Cultural Products are the Identity and National Heritage” a workshop organized by the UNESCO and the Ministry of Culture in Amman.

The presentation briefed the participants, who represented the handicrafts industry, on JTBs work and highlighting its efforts in promoting and encouraging their products by purchasing them to be given away as business gifts, and promoting them in all its exhibitions abroad.

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Grand Hyatt Amman – Voted “Top hotel in the Middle East” by Conde Nast Traveller (USA)

During a special gala night on October 16th, 2006 at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, Conde Nast Traveler celebrated the 19th annual Reader's Choice Awards during which Grand Hyatt Amman was voted “Top Hotel in the Middle East”. The results were derived from the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences, the Readers' Choice Survey, second in size only to the U.S. Census and with over 21,000 travellers voting this year. Travellers stated their opinions based on hotels in which they personally stayed. Grand Hyatt Amman scored highest on having the friendliest service and highest quality standards.

The general manager of Grand Hyatt Amman, Mr. Otto Steenbeek, stated that Grand Hyatt Amman is thrilled and honoured to have received this prestigious award. It means all the more since this is not some award a hotel can sign up for. This award is bestowed upon a hotel by frequent travellers’ personal experience.

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