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Jordan Launches ‘Passgate International' Program
To Promote Tourism Sites Across the Kingdom 

Washington, DC (July 30, 2001) - - Jordan's Passgate International, a unique program to expand visits to tourism sites in the kingdom, was launched recently by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities as a means of encouraging international visits and Jordanian citizens to visit less-frequented sites within the country. 

“By increasing traffic to these additional destinations, this non-profit project hopes to generate positive impact and increase knowledge of the country's culture and sites,” Malia Asfour director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America, said.

Visitors participate in the program by purchasing a Passgate passport, which is a replica of the Jordanian passport, for $10.  The passport lists 14 sites throughout the country, including Dana wildlife reserve, Ajlun, Mukawir, Desert Castles, as well as famous sites such as Petra, Mt. Nebo and Wadi Rum.

At each stop, the passport holder will receive a visa stamp of that particular site. In the end, when all destinations have been stamped, the visitor will receive a special “Jordanian Falcon Certificate” from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.  Visitors who have at least 10 site stamps will receive the “Black Iris Certificate” from the Passgate stations or from their tour guide.

“This is a great program with many benefits,” Ms. Asfour said.  “There are many extraordinary places in Jordan of which many people are unaware, and this project will bring them the spotlight they deserve.”

Besides the certificates and pleasure of visiting the sites, Passgate holders will receive discounts on food and souvenirs at several locations. Passgate sales proceeds will go to the Royal Society of the Conservation of Nature.  Eventually, Jordan plans to expand the project to include schools and other local institutions to increase internal tourism activity there as well.

For more information on the PASSGATE program and its sites, visit www.passgate-intl.com.  or email to passgate@passgate-intl.com.  For general information on travel to Jordan, contact Jordan Tourism Board North America toll-free at 1-877-seejordan (733-5673), email to info@seejordan.org or visit www.seejordan.org

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