Tourism Cares Partners With Jordan

Dec 18, 2016

What:
In a show of support for the Middle Eastern country of Jordan, nonprofit travel organization Tourism Cares has partnered with the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association and the Jordan Tourism Board for a tourism “expedition” geared toward travel executives and corporate social responsibility leaders in 2018. The partnership and expedition was announced during the U.S. Tour Operators Association’s annual conference earlier this month.

Why It Matters:
Travel is an invaluable unifier, and although clients may be wary of traveling to the Middle East, collaborations such as Tourism Cares’ partnership challenge preconceived notions and educate visitors on the positive impact of tourism. The social enterprises and volunteer opportunities provided by the new expedition — which includes a corporate social responsibility symposium with Jordanian and global travel leaders — could do wonders in cultivating a positive image of the country and its people.

Fast Facts:
- The expedition is set to take place in the first quarter of 2018. Final dates will be announced in March 2017.

- Goals of the expedition include creating tourism jobs for those in need; preserving Jordan’s cultural heritage through volunteer projects; increasing industry relationships; promoting Jordan’s tourism infrastructure along the new “Jordan Trail” and more.

- Tour operators Austin Adventures and Abercrombie & Kent, with a grant from Bob Whitley Memorial Fund, have donated hundreds of mountain bikes in support of small tourism businesses.

What They Are Saying:
“This international partnership will make a positive impact in some of Jordan’s most special but undiscovered communities,” said Lina Al-Khaled, executive director of Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association. “At the same time, it will help create new experiences for travelers, as well as strengthen our own commitment to giving back.”

“The Tourism Cares community is thrilled that Jordan is the next destination to be a part of our global network,” said Robin Tauck, chair of the Tourism Cares Global Impact Committee. “Tourism can be such a force for good — through our business, the experiences we all share and the power of our giving and care. Tourism Cares channels that spirit and we’re excited to learn from, and partner with, Jordan.”