Activities
May 21, 2025
JITOA Members Enjoy an Unforgettable & Inspiring FAM Trip to Feynan Ecolodge!
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) organized a FAM (Familiarization) trip for its members to the award-winning Feynan Ecolodge, located in the heart of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. The trip was hosted by Feynan Ecolodge on May 21-22, and what an amazing experience it turned out to be.
| From the moment the group arrived, they were welcomed with warm hospitality, refreshing drinks, and a delicious light mezze lunch, setting the perfect stage for two days of discovery, connection, and memorable moments in one of Jordan’s most beautiful and untouched natural areas. Lodge Presentation & Tour Members were treated to an in-depth presentation and tour of the newly enhanced Feynan Ecolodge, where they explored the lodge’s award-winning design, eco-friendly operations, and inspiring commitment to sustainability. They gained insights into how Feynan works hand in hand with local communities to preserve the surrounding wilderness and deliver meaningful, authentic guest experiences that protect both nature and culture. |
Authentic Bedouin Experience — Making Arabian Coffee & Arbood Bread!
A true highlight of the trip was the immersive Bedouin experience. Participants gathered with local Bedouins to take part in the traditional preparation of Arabian coffee—roasted, ground, and brewed over an open fire—and the making of Arbood bread, the iconic Bedouin flatbread baked right in the sand over hot coals. Members didn’t just watch; they rolled up their sleeves, got hands-on, and connected with the deep cultural roots and hospitality of the local community. It was an enriching, heartfelt exchange that left a lasting impression on everyone.
Sunset Hike & Magical Stargazing
As the sun dipped below the horizon, the group set off on a breathtaking sunset hike, taking in the raw beauty of the desert landscape glowing in the evening light. Later, they enjoyed a delicious vegetarian buffet dinner crafted from local ingredients, followed by a magical stargazing session under the vast, unpolluted desert sky — a serene, unforgettable moment of wonder and reflection.
Exploring Untouched Nature, History & Community
Day two was filled with exploration, as the group embarked on a guided tour of the surrounding area — from ancient copper mines and archaeological wonders to a short trek through the striking canyons of Wadi Ghwayr and Wadi Dana. The experience blended walking, history, and local community encounters, offering a vivid picture of a region that is still largely untouched, pristine, and breathtaking in its natural beauty.
A Hidden Treasure That Needs Our Support
While Feynan is a place of stunning natural wonder, it is also a region that deeply needs ongoing support, especially for the local communities whose livelihoods are intertwined with the land. This FAM trip reminded everyone that by promoting sustainable, responsible tourism, we can help preserve these hidden gems, uplift local families, and ensure that places like Feynan continue to thrive for future generations.
May 19, 2025
Meeting with Moscow Roadshow Participants
As a follow-up to the JITOA Moscow Roadshow, a meeting was held at the JITOA offices where Ms. Lama Mahdeen, our Executive Director, presented the full results of the survey conducted with Russian buyers, along with a detailed summary of their feedback.
All participants in the meeting affirmed that the event was a clear success. We also heard their valuable feedback, which echoed the strong positive response from the Russian buyers. Many highlighted the promising potential for increased demand and business from the Russian market.
Appropriate actions will be taken to build on this success and further strengthen our presence in this key market.
April 30, 2025
New Partnership Spotlight: Teleferic Ajloun – Special Rates for JITOA Members
We are pleased to announce a new partnership between JITOA and Teleferic Ajloun, a premier tourism destination in Jordan. This collaboration offers exclusive special rates for both Jordanian andinternational visitors, exclusively for JITOA members.
Nestled in the scenic landscapes of Ajloun, Teleferic Ajloun provides a unique blend of adventure and relaxation. The centerpiece is a 2.5-kilometer cable car journey connecting Ajloun Castle to Eshtafina, offering panoramic views of the lush forests and historical sites. The round trip takes approximately 20 minutes in cabins accommodating up to 8 passengers, designed to be accessible for all, including individuals with special needs.
Additional Attractions:
- Nature Trails: Explore diverse trails such as the "Path of the Lower Well" and the "Paths of Our Ancestors," featuring Roman archaeological sites and dense forests of oak, maple, and hawthorn trees.
- Family-Friendly Activities: Enjoy a variety of activities, including a children's play area, virtual reality experiences, dart games, and buggy rides.
- Dining and Shopping: Savor delicious meals at on-site restaurants and cafes, and shop for souvenirs at various retail outlets.
- Cultural Events: Participate in seasonal markets, art workshops, and musical performances that showcase local talent and traditions.
Operating Hours:
- Summer Season (May 1 – October 31): 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
- Winter Season (November 1 – April 30): 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Note: The cable car is closed on the first Tuesday of each month.
We encourage our members to incorporate Teleferic Ajloun into their tour packages to offer guests an unforgettable experience that combines natural beauty, historical exploration, and cultural enrichment.
For coordination and to take advantage of the special rates, please contact the JITOA team.
April 28, 2025
The Jordan Inbound Tourism Association (JITOA)Holds its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly Meeting
The Jordan Inbound Tourism Association (JITOA) held its Ordinary and Extraordinary General Assembly meeting on Monday, April 28, 2025, with the required legal representatives present by the association’s bylaws.
The Chairman, Ms. Ghada Al-Najjar, started the Ordinary General Assembly meeting with a welcoming speech. She emphasized JITOA’s important role in supporting and developing the inbound tourism sector, highlighting the efforts made over the past year despite all the challenges the sector has faced.
The agenda of the Ordinary Meeting included the approval of the proposed budget for the new year, the external auditor’s report for the concluded fiscal year, plus the appointment of a new external auditor and the approval of the legal service contract.
Ms. Lama Al-Mahadeen, the Executive Director, gave a presentation outlining the key achievements of the association during 2024, along with the main plans for 2025, which aim to promote sustainable tourism and expand the scope of the association’s work in alignment with the sector’s priorities.
During the Extraordinary meeting, members discussed and approved the proposed amendments to the association’s bylaws.
The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the association’s commitment to strengthen and corporate with all partners from both public and private sectors to help drive tourism and economic growth.
March 27, 2025
JITOA and the Ministry of Tourism Hold Key Meeting with the Tax Department to Address Challenges in the New Tax Billing System
In cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) organized a meeting on Thursday, March 27, attended by Her Excellency, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mrs. Lina Annab, and the Secretary-General, Dr. Fadi Balawi, along with several representatives from the tourism sector.
The meeting was held at the Ministry of Tourism with a representative from the Electronic Invoicing Department / Income and Sales Tax Department, to discuss all comments and observations submitted by JITOA’s members regarding the New Tax Billing System.
During the meeting, several important points were addressed concerning the challenges faced by users of the New Billing System. The tax department representative showed full cooperation and promised to find appropriate solutions that would facilitate the work for all tourism companies and satisfy all parties. He pledged to address these issues and share the solutions with us.
March 12, 2025
Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association SuccessfullyConcludes Promotional Roadshow in Moscow,Strengthening Tourism Ties Between Jordan and Russia
Moscow, Russia – March 12, 2025
The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) successfully organized an exclusive promotional roadshow for its members in Moscow. The event attracted approximately 60 Russian tourism companies, reflecting the strong interest of the Russian market in Jordan as a tourism destination.
The workshop officially commenced on March 12, 2025, with the esteemed presence of H.E. Khaled Al-Shawabkeh, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to Moscow, who was invited to inaugurate the event.
This promotional roadshow provided a distinguished platform to showcase Jordan’s diverse tourism offerings, highlighting its rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and world-renowned hospitality. The event featured direct business-to-business (B2B) meetings, interactive presentations, and valuable networking sessions. JITOA members, including tour operators and hotels, had the opportunity to present Jordan’s tourism potential to leading Russian travel companies, paving the way for new partnerships and strengthening existing ties.
JITOA’s Executive Director, Ms. Lama Ismail Mahadeen, praised the event’s success, noting the enthusiastic response from Russian tourism companies. She stated, “We are delighted with the results of the Moscow roadshow, which has fostered strong connections and opened new opportunities for inbound tourism growth. The high level of engagement from our Russian partners underscores the strong demand for Jordan as a preferred travel destination, and we look forward to welcoming more Russian visitors in the near future.” Ms. Mahadeen also emphasized the deep-rooted and growing ties between Jordan and Russia, underscoring the mutual benefits of increasing travel exchange. She extended JITOA’s gratitude to H.E. the Ambassador for his positive response to the invitation and his attendance at the event.
JITOA extends its sincere appreciation to the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Royal Jordanian (RJ), and the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA) for their invaluable support to the association and the participating delegation.
The event concluded with productive discussions on enhancing air connectivity, designing tailored travel packages, and developing additional strategies to promote Jordan in the Russian market. JITOA reaffirms its commitment to expanding international partnerships and driving sustainable growth in Jordan’s tourism sector through targeted initiatives such as this promotional roadshow.
February 17, 2025
Empowering Inbound Tourism with Artificial Intelligence JITOA’s Specialized AI Training
February 17-18. 2025
As part of its ongoing efforts to develop the inbound tourism sector and enhance the capabilities of its workforce, the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA), with the support of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), organized a Two days specialized training program titled “AI Training for Tour Operators” on Monday and Tuesday, February 17-18.
The training aimed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in marketing, customer experience, and tourism operations management. By integrating AI, the program sought to improve service efficiency and foster innovative tourism experiences.
Several JITOA members of tour operators and hotels participated in the training, engaging in interactive and practical sessions focused on utilizing AI to enhance tourism services. The sessions covered key applications such as developing virtual agents for personalized customer service and conducting hands-on workshops on AI-driven tourism planning and sales.
The program concluded with group presentations, where participants showcased their AI-driven solutions, followed by discussions on best practices to ensure the sustainable adoption of these technologies within Jordan’s inbound tourism sector.
February 3, 2025
JITOA Hosts Electronic Billing Session for its members
February 3, 2025
As part of our commitment to keeping the tourism industry up to date with the latest regulations in the government, JITOA, in collaboration with the Income & Sales Tax Department, organized an exclusive specialized session on the Electronic Billing System for its members.
The session provided valuable insights into the new e-billing requirements, ensuring tour operators and hospitality professionals are well-equipped to comply with the system while streamlining their financial processes. Attendees had the opportunity to engage directly with the experts, in addressing their questions and challenges encountered while using the system, helping to clarify procedures and enhance efficiency.
February 2, 2025
Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association Sign the Continuity Cooperation Agreement with”Himmeh w Lammeh” Initiative
Amman – February 2025: As part of its efforts to promote sustainable tourism and support environmental initiatives, the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) hosted a meeting yesterday Monday, February 24th, bringing together the association’s board of directors and the team behind the “Himmeh w Lammeh” initiative at JITOA’s headquarters. The meeting focused on discussing various strategies for sustaining environmental awareness initiatives, culminating in the signing of an agreement of continued cooperation between both parties.
“Himmeh w Lammeh” is a volunteer initiative operating under the umbrella of JITOA, aimed at raising environmental awareness and fostering a culture of sustainable tourism. The initiative organizes cleanup campaigns at natural sites, in addition to conducting volunteer activities that promote environmental conservation across different regions of the Kingdom.
Ms. Ghada Iskandar Najjar, Chairperson of JITOA, emphasized that signing this agreement reflects the association’s ongoing commitment to supporting community-driven initiatives that contribute to the development of the tourism sector. She highlighted the significant role “Himmeh w Lammeh” has played in educating local communities and visitors on the importance of preserving tourist sites.
On her part, Ms. Lana Hamarneh, founder of the initiative HWL, along with the initiative’s team, expressed their gratitude for JITOA’s continuous support. She affirmed that this collaboration will enable them to expand their activities and enhance their impact in the field of environmental volunteerism.
It is worth noting that over the past years, “Himmeh W Lammeh” has successfully carried out numerous environmental campaigns targeting tourist and heritage sites, contributing to raising environmental awareness among visitors and local communities.
January 30, 2025
Jordan: Dawn of Christianity
Dawn of Christianity exhibit at Vatican City, running from January 31 to February 28, 2025.
We are delighted to announce Jordan’s participation in the prestigious Dawn of Christianity exhibit at Vatican City, running from January 31 to February 28, 2025. This remarkable event, held in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), highlights Jordan’s pivotal role in Biblical history and its significance as a destination where faith, history, and culture converge.
As part of this initiative, JITOA presented a flyer titled “Jordan: Dawn of Christianity,” designed to captivate visitors and showcase the country’s renowned Biblical sites. To further engage visitors, the flyer includes 20 JITOA members who were interested in publishing their company name on the flyer.
This initiative underscores Jordan’s commitment to promoting its religious and cultural heritage on a global stage while supporting JITOA members in expanding their reach and visibility. By participating in this exhibit, Jordan not only solidifies its position as a key destination for faith-based tourism but also opens new opportunities for collaboration and growth within the tourism sector.
We thank the Jordan Tourism Board for their continued partnership and support in making this initiative a reality. Together, let us invite the world to experience the spiritual essence and timeless beauty of Jordan: The Dawn of Christianity.
https://mostragiordania.com//
January 15, 2025
Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association Hosts its Annual Appreciation Reception
January 15,2025
Under the patronage of H.E. Mrs. Lina Annab, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) hosted its Annual Appreciation Reception on the evening of Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Sheraton Amman Al Nabil Hotel.
The event aims to express gratitude to its members, supporting entities, partners, and tourism service providers who collaborate with the association and its members working in the inbound tourism sector.
The reception was attended by a large number of JITOA members, including inbound tour operators, hotels, transport companies, and tourism investment firms, along with esteemed dignitaries, senators, and members of parliament. Additionally, several ambassadors representing countries that collaborated with JITOA on events in previous years were present. Official tourism sector representatives also attended, including delegates from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, the Baptism Site Commission, Royal Jordanian, Donors, and various active associations in the tourism sector.
The event commenced with a welcoming speech by JITOA Chairwoman Mrs. Ghada Iskander Najjar, who extended her appreciation to H.E. Ms. Annab and all attendees. She expressed gratitude to the association's members and supportive partners for their continuous support throughout the past year. Najjar emphasized JITOA's commitment to its mission and stated that the association's 2025 plan serves as a roadmap for sustaining the achievements made to date.
In her speech, Mrs. Najjar reaffirmed the association's dedication to advancing its goals and mission in the coming years, with a particular focus on supporting Jordan's inbound tourism sector.
The reception also featured a presentation showcasing highlights of JITOA's key activities and accomplishments during 2024. JITOA has remained committed to empowering and developing the capacities of industry professionals, furthering its mission for the growth and sustainability of Jordan's tourism sector.
December 17, 2024
Royal Jordanian Exclusive Workshop for JITOA Members
Royal Jordanian Exclusive Workshop for JITOA Members
December 17th 2024
As part of the continuous collaboration between Royal Jordanian and the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association, an exclusive workshop was designed specifically for JITOA members to maximize the benefits of the RJ / JITOA partnership. The workshop aimed at sharing updates and discussing plans and strategies to adopt and enhance Jordan’s position as a prime tourism destination.
The session was led by Mr. Karim Maklouf, the Chief Commercial Officer, who provided valuable insights and discussed Royal Jordanian’s current strategy and performance, new and future routes Royal Jordanian plans to operate, key days and pricing strategies for these routes, and broader strategic plans for entering new markets and strengthening operations.
JITOA members actively participated, sharing insights and ideas to enhance collaboration and support the continued growth of Jordan’s tourism sector.
