Activities
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.
December 11, 2024
Farewell to JICA:Celebrating a Successful Collaboration!
December 11, 2024
JITOA has recently received the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) team for a farewell meeting as the team concluded a Four-year mission in Jordan.
Our collaboration with JICA has been highly successful. Together, we've made significant strides in promoting local tourism experiences and enhancing Jordan’s tourism offerings. We look forward to the possibility of working on new projects together in the future.
November 17, 2024
Consult Session with the Baptism Development Zone
Wednesday November 17th ,2024
As part of JITOA’s activities and commitment to its members, a consultation session was arranged with the Baptism Development Zone to present the master plan for the BDZ to JITOA members to gather their feedback.
The session took place on November 17th at the Bethany office at Abdali / Boulevard. It was a great opportunity to collect valuable insights from the members.
Their feedback was invaluable for those working on the master plan, providing them with important guidance on where to focus efforts and identifying the key elements necessary to highlight in the tour operators’ program.
The BDZ Master Plan aims to develop a Village and aspires to house a very prominent pilgrimage village in the region. The plan was developed by a consortium of leading design firms (MK, Mostaqbal, and Design Workshop) who were guided by international experts, including Chef Jose Andres, Quincy Jones, and Sir Peter Jackson, among others. The authenticity of the Baptism Site (Al Maghtas) bears with it the nature of the wilderness that has preserved its beauty for thousands of years. In light of the often-challenging desert experience, BDZ calls for over 70% of its area to be green areas. This supports the essence of the mission of the project, offering a more prolonged experience that is spiritually and physically rewarding. Accordingly, the Master Plan has been designed in a four-interlinked tracks structure that activates the vision as follows:
November 13, 2024
Promoting Sustainability in Tourism: CBI Introductory Workshop on Travelife Certification
As part of the joint collaboration between Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association
(JITOA) and the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from Developing Countries (CBI)
under the Jordan Tourism Project, funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign
Affairs, and the, an introductory workshop was held on Wednesday, November 13 th
2024.
The workshop targeted JITOA members to introduce the Travelife certification program,
which accredits tourism companies and establishments according to global sustainable
tourism standards.
The session highlighted practical tools and strategies to enhance sustainability within
the tourism sector.
This event is part of the activities organized by JITOA for its members, in collaboration
with its local and regional partners, to promote responsible tourism in Jordan and
contribute to building a more sustainable and resilient tourism industry.
November 2, 2024
Exploring Agri-Tourism in Jordan: A Journey of Innovation, Culture, and Sustainability🌿
In coordination with JITOA, with technical support from the FAO, and the EBRD, a FAM
trip took place on Saturday, November 2, to exhibit and showcase the potential in
Jordan's agricultural tourism sector.
Such initiatives serve to boost innovation and diversification of tourism, while supporting
local farm communities and ultimately growing the economy.
This tour also provided the opportunity for JITOA members to get as close a view as
possible of the two regions, Karak and Ghor Al-Safi, with an emphasis on distinctive
Agri-tourism.
The trip started with an interactive visit to one of Book Agri projects in Al Karak, where
the participants joined in the rural way of life. They visited the family of Mr. Abu Ashraf
in the Mujib area, then visited Ms. Hanaa Al-Qadiri, where the participants mastered
traditional cheese-making techniques. Participants obtained first-hand information on
the production and preservation of white cheese at home.
It included a visit to the Bayet Al Jameed Al Karaki project for exploring the value chain
of various dairy products. The visit ended with a delicious meal that was constituted of
Karaki Mansaf, prepared with local ingredients by women of the Karak Governorate.
The final stop was at Al Safi Kitchen in Ghor Al-Safi, where participants were introduced
to various activities offered by the project, including bicycle tours and seasonal
harvesting of vegetables.
This collaborative initiative has pointed out great opportunities in Jordan's agricultural
tourism sector, emphasizing the possibility of diversification in tourism experiences and
contributing to the growth of local economies. Agriculture and tourism combined point to
new pathways in sustainable development and resilience at the community level.
