Amman. The USAID Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism Project today marked a series of grants to the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) to strengthen the promotion of Jordan as a tourist destination in the European, North American and Mexican markets. U.S. Ambassador to Jordan Stuart Jones, USAID/Jordan Mission Director Beth Paige and Minister of Tourism and Antiquities H,E. Prof. Nidal Mardi Al Katamine signed a certificate acknowledging continuing collaboration and support.
The series of grants will help the Jordan Tourism Board use social media, online and direct marketing to reach new groups of potential tourists abroad. Efforts will also include revamping the online Jordan Travel Agent Academy to help North American travel agents market Jordan; developing Spanish-language promotional content to reach travelers in Mexico and the U.S.; hosting press trips for travel writers; and increasing Jordan’s exposure with U.S. tour operators. The grants will also fund TripAdvisor campaigns in Europe, the U.S. and Mexico.
“We are striving to increase Jordan’s competitiveness as a global tourism destination and to expand its reach to new and more targeted markets using the latest tools and technologies,” said H.E. Katamine, Chairman of the Jordan Tourism Board.
Ambassador Jones added that the partnership in tourism between Jordan and the U.S. is vital, just as it is in education, health, science and technology. “The U.S. is committed to its ongoing support of Jordan’s tourism sector, which highlights the country’s beauty, rich history, culture and hospitality,” he said.
USAID/Jordan Mission Director Beth Paige said the USAID tourism project is delighted to continue its support of JTB’s efforts. She noted that during the past eight years, USAID has provided over JOD 256,811 (US $362,727) to support the promotion of Jordan to global markets. “This has introduced people throughout the world to Jordan’s spectacular landscape and ancient treasures.”
The marketing initiatives implemented by JTB, with support from USAID, should increase the number of tourists visiting Jordan, said Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. “North America is a major tourism market for Jordan with huge potential for growth,” he noted.
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The USAID Economic Growth Through Sustainable Tourism project works with government, private sector, civil society and local communities to support the development and increase competitiveness of Jordan’s tourism sector by diversifying and improving tourism services and products throughout Jordan, support cutting-edge international tourism marketing, and improved job skills and employment in the sector. The project also supports preservation of the Kingdom’s historic and natural treasures and maximizing economic opportunities from tourism for Jordanians.
