Eco-tourism in Jordan is making a significant contribution to the development of Jordan’s tourism industry and is considerably growing. Most of Jordan Inbound Tour Operators are now tapping into and including different experiences and new themes in their itineraries, usually through operating ‘mixed’ tour programs, thus extending the average stay of visitors to Jordan, and enticing them to visit again.
JITOA organized two days Familiarization (FAM) trip, on the 7th and 8th of March, for its active members of Inbound Tour Operators to visit the first eco-lodge in Wadi Feynan, which is owned by the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and operated by EcoHotels.
“FAM trips are a chance to highlight new tourism trends to our members, and give them the opportunity to explore new destinations in order to stay up to date about the tourist sites and activities of the Kingdom.” said Nizar Al Adarbeh, JITOA CEO.
Group of JITOA tour operators’ staff were hosted at the Feynan Ecolodge, in the heart of the mountainous of Dana Biosphere Reserve. The lodge integrates conservation and socio-economic development while promoting the importance of the natural environment. The place is one of a kind being the first eco-friendly hotel in Jordan and the most developed eco-experience in the kingdom. 26-rooms completely solar powered and by night the lodge is lit by candles made on site by Bedouin women, serving both a romantic and an environmentally friendly function. There are Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms to suit the travelers’ taste and budget. In addition to spacious terraces, an open dining area, library lounge, meeting facilities, panoramic rooftop terrace and many more.
The group enjoyed one night stay at the lodge, where they were introduced to the area and the various activities offered to tourists at this magnificent natural site, highlighting the relation between the lodge and the benefits that it provides to the local community. Also, they got the chance to experience the generous hospitality and seamless natural beauty of the place.
Moreover they enjoyed various activities at the lodge and the surrounding areas such as gazing at majestic sunsets across multi-colored mountains, joining stimulating hikes through rocky terrains, and unwind under starlit nights accompanied only by the sounds of the desert wind, wildlife and the Bedouin footstep.
“this site is a promising and ideal location for including more activities in tourism programs, and it will contribute in developing the ecotourism trend in Jordan as it has great potential in involving other relevant trends as Voluntourism activities and other socio-cultural activities in order to serve the local communities and at the same time help improve the quality and variety of programs offered to tourists” Nizar remarked.
Participants showed gratitude for JITOA, Feynan Ecolodge, and EcoHotels, for giving them the opportunity to familiarize real ecotourism experience, while they expressed that this tourism trend is showing great interest from tourists in different parts of the world especially those in Europe. It’s worth mentioning that this trip was part of the grant that JITOA received by the Jordan Tourism Development Program II (USAID).
