The New 7 Wonders Campaign Launched
The Jordan Tourism Board launched a national campaign on Monday the 6th of November promoting voting for Petra to become one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The competition is organized by the Swiss-based, nonprofit New 7 Wonders (N7W) Foundation, and is the first global voting campaign seeking to highlight leading cultural and historical treasures deemed worthy of global recognition. It is worth noting that 50% of all net revenue raised by the N7W project is to be used to fund restoration efforts worldwide. The winners will be announced on a live global broadcast from Lisbon on July 7th, 2007.
Petra is one of 21 finalists running for the vote-based competition. Latest statistics showed Petra as one of the second set of seven sites, which leveraged more enthusiasm and encouraged extensive local participation. A panel of architectural experts involved in intensive preparations for the competition since last year, short-listed 77 nominations by millions of voters and announced the 21 finalists at the end of last year. Amongst competing sites are the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, the Acropolis, the Pyramids of Giza and Britain’s Stonehenge.
JTB spearheaded a national campaign promoting Petra and garnering support. The campaign was launched through advertisements in the daily newspapers, a service that was offered for free in support of the cause, and will be followed by a radio and television campaign. JTB also used its offices abroad to further amplify this campaign, where they created similar campaigns in the native language, and promoted Petra extensively in international exhibitions. Public schools and governmental organizations across the country have also been raising awareness of the competition among students and professionals to garner support.
The JTB contacted all Jordanian embassies abroad providing them with information and promotional material to further expand the campaign through their circle of contacts with Jordanian citizens abroad amongst the general public as well as the local media.
Votes can be cast by telephone, online or by sending an SMS with the word “PETRA” through Fastlink, MobileCom, or Umnia, who lowered the price of messages and continue to send SMS bursts promoting the campaign.
JTB Wins Best Middle Eastern Tourism Board Award at British Travel Awards ‘06
The Jordan Tourism Board UK won the Best Middle Eastern Tourism Board award at the British Travel Awards held on the sidelines of the WTM event on the 9th of November, 2006.
Mr. Mazen Homoud, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, stated that this award illustrates the remarkable achievements that have been put forth by the staff of JTB and affirms their continuous efforts especially in the UK market, which is considered one of the most strategic and significant sources of inbound tourism to Jordan.
Mr. Homoud credited the success to the fundamental changes which have changed the global initiatives of JTB during the past two years, and the introduction of contemporary marketing and promotional techniques, as well as the enhancement of the scientific and research capacity which further enriched the international marketing plans.
The WTM was the official international launch pad of the JTB’s new brand identity that it had developed for the tourism sector, as well as its new website, documentary, and collateral, all of which reflect the cultural heritage of Jordan.
Statistics for the January-August period show continuing strong growth in overnight visitor numbers. Jordan hosted 38,953 visitors from the UK, up 31.5 per cent from the same period 2005.
JTB Benelux Meets Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania
JTB Benelux met His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania at a cultural reception hosted by the Their Majesties at the Steigenberger Kurhaus hotel in gratitude of Her Majesty Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands’ hospitality on October 31st, 2006.
The reception was attended by partners of the various sectors of Jordan. Many key players representing the Dutch travel trade were also present, including the president of SITE, CEO of Fox Holidays, CEO of Terra Travel, CEO of Beter Uit Reizen, CEO Isropa and CEO of Wellness Travel. All of which are loyal tour operators and important partners offering Jordan as a tourist and incentive destination. Members of the Jordan Tourism Board in Amsterdam were aslo invited to this event.
Their Majesties King Abdullah II and Queen Rania visited the Netherlands in October during a three-day state visit in response to an invitation by Her Majesty Queen Beatrix. The warm relationship between the Dutch and the Jordanian Royal Families is one that withstood generations. However, this trip was the first state visit by Their Majesties since the assumption of the throne.
JTB Signs VAT Refund Agreement
The JTB signed a Value Added Tax Refund Agreement with Anmar for Trade Service Company on 9th of November, 2006. This partnership will assist JTB in reclaiming VAT from its market activities in European Union member countries.
This collaboration will boost JTB’s economizing schemes by saving an additional 10-15% of its total expenditure in the EU countries. Eligible VAT claims include specified goods and services, as well as expenses related to Trade Shows, JTB international offices costs, JTB staff’s travel expenditure, and Forex payments.
MICE Magazine Branded for Jordan Issued
JTB in cooperation with Nicholas Publishing International issued the Jordan Mice edition for 2007. The publication includes general information about Jordan as well as detailed information regarding the capacity and services offered by JTB members.
Mice Jordan exhibits an array of information and promotes some of the main attractions and activities in Jordan in detail, offers suggested itineraries, and displays lists of hotels and tour operators. This magazine has been distributed at the JTB representative offices abroad for MICE related fairs and activities.
JTB Brochures
As the JTB proceeds towards generating more value to its members by improving its range of products and services, it also aspiring to commercialize some of its services such as the web site and the different collateral that are produced based on the new brand. As a first step, the JTB Board of Directors have approved granting full JTB members up to JOD 500 worth of collateral free of charge and associate members up to JOD 250. A full price list will be distributed to all containing prices of the different sets of collateral. To streamline these procedures, members will have accounts with the storage unit, while the brochures are all bar coded to ensure easiness. Through these new procedures the JTB will ensure that all its media are constantly updated and improved to the highest standards and quality.
JTB Shop
The Jordan Tourism Board is pleased to announce that it has effectively begun the process of establishing a shop carrying a variety of high quality branded products.
As the study and business plan is being carried out, the JTB’s goals for establishing the shop are two fold: the first is to strengthen the new tourism brand in the domestic and overseas markets and the second is to generate income. The shop will carry branded goods such as ties, cufflinks, polo shirts, caps, jackets, mugs and so forth. The current study will determine if the JTB should establish the shop in partnership or as a unilateral investment.
Interesting to note, with regards to strengthening the new brand presence, is that the JTB is planning to work with the concerned authorities in Jordan to issue a special postal stamp that carries the new brand logo.
JTB France Launches the 7 Wonders of Jordan
The widespread consumer campaign in France with the theme ‘Les 7 merveilles de Jordanie’ (7 Wonders of Jordan), attracted more than 13,000 visitors to its website and 5000 candidates for the website contest on its opening week.
The 7 Wonders of Jordan include Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Jerash, Aqaba, Bethany and Mount Nebo. The promotional campaign aims at enhancing Jordan’s image and exhibiting its diversity. The campaign advertised the website created especially for the occasion www.les7merveillesdejordanie.com, and included all tour operators selling Jordan in France. The campaign used two different types of media: specialized media and the internet
This consumer advertising campaign utilized specialized media for its niche markets. For the nature, adventure, and trekking market. JTB France promoted the campaign in Trek Magazine, Ulysse, Terre Sauvage, and Passion Rando publications; in addition to promoting the culture & archaeology market in Archaeologia and Le Monde. Jordan’s diving market in Octopus and Plongeurs International publications magazine. JTB France also extended the campaign through the following travel websites: www.routard.com; www.lemonde.fr; www.tourmag.com.
Costa Crociere Throw in the Anchor by the Shores of Aqaba
In its efforts to increase the distribution network to Jordan, JTB Italy has managed to introduce Jordan to Costa Crociere’s itinerary. JTB Italy held several negotiations with Mr. Andrea Colaci, Shore Side Activities Director of Costa Cruises, and agreed that Jordan will now be included in one of the cruises they offer.
Every month the "Grand Tour d'Oriente" cruise will stop on the shores of Aqaba for one night and around 700 tourists can choose between two local excursions: Wadi Rum or Petra.
Costa Crociere S.p.A. is an Italian cruise company which has the reputation of a leading and prestigious award winning corporation. It includes a total of 15 ships in active service and 8 on order. All ships operate in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Central and South America, United Arab Emirates and the Far East.
JTB Italy will leverage a promotion campaign through Costa Crociere in the coming months. These synergized efforts will promise Jordan an increase of 8,400 tourists visiting the south every year.
Jordan Bid To Host the 2013 WFNS Conference
In its bid to enhance the position of Jordan as a leading Middle Eastern player in health care management and delivery, the Society of Jordanian Neurosurgeons in association with the Pan Arab Neurosurgical Society are bidding to host the WFNS (World Federation of Neurological Surgeons) meeting in 2013.
This meeting which is attended by around 3000 neurosurgeons from all over the world is the main forum for discussing new advances in neurosurgery. It is held every 4 years in a location that is worthy of the occasion and has all the facilities to support such a grand conference. Previous destinations have been Amsterdam, Sydney, Marrakesh with the 2009 event to be held in Boston. The bid is receiving strong support internationally, and the voting will take place in November 2007.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Jordan Tourism Board are putting great efforts into supporting the bid with the Society of Jordanian Neurosurgeons. The conference would be held in the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre at the Dead Sea which is renowned for its superb facilities. Accommodations to host such a large number of participants will be shared by hotels in both the Dead Sea and Amman. If successful, the congress will be held under the Patronage of His Majesty King Abdullah II.
Over the years Jordan had transformed into a modern state, with first class infrastructures, and an outstanding reputation for being an exceptional destination for international conventions and congresses. Jordan, being only 3 - 5 hours flight from major European cities, combines the convenience of exceptional facilities, experienced staff, unique pre and post touring opportunities with the world famous Jordanian hospitality.
Jordan enjoys more than 14000 rooms of all star categories, plus 2 state of the art Convention Centers equipped with the latest technologies, that can cater for more than 5000 people altogether, where numerous MICE events are held such as the World Economic Forum at the Dead Sea, the International Securities Commission Congress and the Microsoft Regional Webmasters conference at Zara Expo.
Juan José Benítez Launched “Jordan Trojan Horse 8”at the Baptism Site
Juan José Benítez, a world renowned Spanish author, TV personality, religious investigator, celebrity and adventurer, launched his new book Jordán Caballo de Troya 8 “Jordan Trojan Horse 8” in the very site he illustrates in his book. The launch event was totally sponsored by the JTB. Thirty writers and TV crews accompanied the writer to Jordan to cover the launch. Noteworthy is that Mr. Benítez sold 9 million copies of his first seven books.
The book is the 8th volume of the Trojan Horse series, where he takes the readers to Jordan during the time of Jesus Christ to narrate the chapter of His life when he was baptized by John the Baptist.
Mr. Mazen Homoud, the Managing Director, spoke at the launch and welcomed Mr. Benítez to Jordan, the hub for world religions where the three prophets have crossed through the land. He also described it as a significant milestone for the Christian religion, and praised Benítez’s efforts in documenting the significant historical happenings that took place in the Baptism Site.
Benítez was invited for a comprehensive tour of Jordan, and was accompanied by various media representatives. The entire trip had a great promotional impact on Jordan’s image in the Spanish market and is certain to garner more coverage in due time. Planeta Editorial House, the top editorial house in Spain and the seventh in the world, supported this launch with extensive media coverage.
Articles appeared in La Vanguardia, a top journal in Catalonia, La Razon, a superior Madrid journal, and La Gaceta de los Negocios an economic journal. Also, 4-6 television programs are expected to cover the event in addition to radio programs, and print publications in Latin America, the USA and the world.
JTB Co-Sponsors the World Snooker Championship
Under the patronage of HRH Prince Feisal the International Billiards and Snooker Federation (IBSF) commenced its World Snooker Championship in Amman, on November 9th, 2006.
JTB was a sponsor for the tournament which welcomed 300 officials and players from 45 different countries. The competitors also had the chance to visit some of the key sites in Jordan including the Dead Sea and Mount Nebo.
The Prince Rashid Hall was transformed from a martial arts venue into a world-class snooker venue especially for the tournament, with 22 tables and spectator facilities. The Hall became a hub for a traditional and cultural opening ceremony which gave the contesters a unique cultural experience.
HRH Prince Faisal also praised the ISBF for demonstrating the confidence placed in Jordan and was quoted saying, “To see so many nationalities coming together here encapsulates what we are trying to achieve in sport by using it as a mechanism for not only promoting the Kingdom, but showing that it can be a means to overcoming differences.”
JTB Gives a Presentation to the Institute of Diplomacy
As part of the JTB and Foreign Ministry’s synergized efforts in promoting Jordan abroad, and to reinforce the relationship between the two, JTB gave a presentation to the Institute of Diplomacy exhibiting its marketing and promotional efforts abroad. This detailed presentation provided the participants with the activities that it executes and the opportunities for cooperation in their future posts abroad.
JTB Participates in Philoxenia Travel Fair, Greece
JTB participated in Philoxenia Travel Fair which took place between the 16th and 19th of November in Thessalonica, Greece.
The JTB stand was visited by the Greek Minister of Tourism H.E. Ms. Fani Palli-Petralia.
It also attracted a large number of eager and specialized tour agents, tour operators, and on the last day interested tourists.
Royal Jordanian and two Jordanian tour operators participated in this fair which targeted the religious, MICE and leisure tourism trade.
JTB Delegates Attend “Tourism Business Associations Executive Management” Certificate Program
As part of JTB’s ongoing efforts in developing the capacity and capabilities of its management and staff, two members of the JTB team are attending the “Tourism Business Associations Executive Management”, a certificate program organized by Siyaha under the umbrella of USAID. The program commenced on November 14th with its first two-day workshop at the Four Seasons hotel in Amman
This is the first certificate program of its kind to be offered in Jordan. It is certain to play a role in enhancing tourism industry associations to become sustainable, growing advocates of private sector led growth; this is a key to achieving the objectives of the National Tourism Strategy – 2004-2010.
The Tourism Business Associations Executive Management Certificate Program will focus on the capacity building and knowledge development of current and potential association CEOs, key staff, board of directors, and members in order to enable them to play an active role in steering an association towards financial sustainability and being active in the area of public policy advocacy.
At the end of this one year program, the participants will have completed seven modules in key association management topics. Upon successful completion of all seven modules, participants will be awarded a Certificate in “Business Association Executive Management” accredited by the Michigan Society of Association Executives.
This certificate program will play a role in enriching the capacity enhancement and institutional strengthening to ensure that JTB can deliver on its objectives through its well trained and capable human resource.
JTB Attends “Assessing the Jordanian Experience in Tourism Training, Teaching, and Hospitality” Workshop
JTB attended a workshop entitled “Assessing the Jordanian Experience in Tourism Training, Teaching, and Hospitality”. The workshop was organized by Yarmook University and is the first of its kind in Jordan, and aims at assessing the Jordanian experience in this field.
This workshop is considered the preliminary step in the vigorous national effort to establish tourist training programs. The workshop also aims at establishing common grounds of understandings between tourist training and educational corporations from one side and events and tourist organizations from the other.
There is an increasing demand for a qualified workforce that can contribute actively and effectively in creating a positive image for the Jordan tourism product, and various sectors are working constantly on encouraging competition in the tourism product and contributing to the ongoing productivity in the kingdom.
The JTB hosted AMARC to Discover the Wonders of Petra.
The Jordan Tourism Board hosted AMARC participants to discover the wonders of Petra as part of the promotional campaign it had spearheaded to garner support for Petra as a candidate for the New 7 Wonders. JTB presented to the participants of the World Association of Community Radio broadcasters (AMARC) the New 7 Wonders Campaign, and asked them to broadcast to their listeners the marvel of this site and encourage them to vote for it.
Under the motto “Voices of the world; free the airwaves”, more than 350 community radio practitioners from 94 countries participated in the Ninth World Conference of Community Radio Broadcasters with a strong message for the development of community radio in the Middle East and North Africa.
The Ninth gathering of the World Association of Community Radio broadcasters, AMARC, was hosted by its member, the Jordanian pioneer Internet and community radio AmmanNet and held in Amman, Jordan from 11th to 17th November. The conference explored media freedom in the Middle East and North Africa region resulting in the establishment of a 10 member-working group and the establishment of a secretariat in Amman to support the development of community radio in the MENA region. Likewise women voices for gender equality day pushed forward women’s rights as the basic principle for the existence of community radio.
JTB hosted the participants in Petra on the last day of activities, where they were escorted by guides and JTB staff who provided them with information about Jordan, and took questions from them welcomingly to better introduce them to the various aspects of Jordan. After touring the site, the participants were invited to a lunch where JTB representatives presented them with information regarding the New 7 Wonders campaign that it had launched earlier that month. The participants received brochure packs and Dead Sea salts courtesy of the JTB, and also received promotional material about Petra: A Candidate for the New 7 Wonders campaign which contained information on how the voting process can be achieved.
National Museums’ Conference
The National Museums’ Conference was held at the Dead Sea Panorama complex on the 9th of November, 2006. During the conference, entitled “Reality and Visions,” local museum officials made presentations on the exhibits of institutions, located in Salt, Karak, the Dead Sea and Amman. They also discussed ways of employing these museums in promoting tourism. The three-day conference was organized by Yarmouk University and sponsored by the Japan International Cooperation Agency. Representatives from public and private universities and the Department of Tourism and Antiquities took part in the event