Tourism Cares and the Jordan Tourism Board have launched the first-ever Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan, researching and documenting 12 experiences that are at once powerful and positive for both travelers and communities.
The map, released following 2017's International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development, addresses two overlapping trends for tourism today: demand from travelers for authentic, sustainable experiences that make a difference, and the need to use the power of travel to help people and places thrive.
The Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan was released as part of the Tourism Cares with Jordan delegation, a group of 70 leaders from the North American travel industry committed to exploring travel's potential to drive social impact through tourism.
Each of the 12 experiences is offered by a nonprofit organization or social enterprise that, in addition to providing a quality cultural experience for travelers, has a program for directly benefiting a disadvantaged population.
"Any trip to Jordan wouldn't be complete without a visit to Petra and Wadi Rum—and one or two of these enterprises that offer a unique insight into the spirit and people of Jordan," said Ms. Lina Annab, Jordan's Minister of Tourism & Antiquities. "Our people and communities have as much to offer as our heritage, and the good news is that you don't have to choose. You can make a special difference just by coming."
The potential of these enterprises is illustrated in the story of Halima Al Qa'aydeh, who started with the Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Project as a volunteer, rose to supervisor and project manager, and now is one of six women elected in municipal elections. Another is Eisa, a hiking guide who, since the 2017 launch of the Jordan Trail, has seen business boom so much that he has added a second floor to his home to host guests. Um Khalid has a longer story: Tourism has allowed this baker of shrak bread for the Feynan Ecolodge since its founding to buy solar panels, electrify her goat hair tent and purchase a washing machine.
The Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan is distinctive for two reasons: the extensive due diligence and research behind each of the 12 listings, which is made available to travelers; and being designed explicitly as a resource for both travelers and the travel industry. These quality experiences will benefit from increased visibility and visitation, creating a win-win-win for travelers, company and community.
"The very act of travel can be a force for good and these experiences are really about connecting people: travelers who are exploring Jordan and the dynamic local leaders who are moving these communities forward," said Derek Hydon, chairman of the Tourism Cares Board of Directors.
The map may be accessed at www.GoLocalJordan.com with contact information and profiles available for each, including for download.
The 12 organizations featured
The Tourism Cares with Jordan project is made possible by the TRIP Foundation, Trip Mate, The Travel Corporation, American Society of Travel Agents, Marriott Hotels of Jordan, the Bob Whitley Memorial Fund and the Jordan Tourism Board.
Courtesy of Tourism Cares.