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U.S. Tour Operators Conduct Travel Workshop in Amman, Jordan

AMMAN, Jordan -- (Feb. 2, 2001) –  Twelve representatives of the U.S. Tour Operators Association (USTOA), the world's leading tour operator organization, will arrive in Amman, Jordan, Saturday (Feb. 3) for a seven day out-of-country workshop and tour of the kingdom. 

Led by USTOA President Robert Whitely, the board members will be welcomed to Jordan at a dinner reception the Intercontinental Hotel in Amman by His Excellency Akel Biltaji, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

“It is a great pleasure for us to welcome this prestigious group of travel leaders from North America,” said Minister Biltaji. “We look forward to guiding USTOA through our wonderful archaeological and historical sites. Their experience this week will surely show them why Jordan is such an appealing destination for US travelers.”

On the seven-day trip, the USTOA board members will visit Jordan's main tourist attractions including the ancient city of Jerash, the newly opened baptism site of Jesus Christ, Lawrence of Arabia's Wadi Rum desert, the famous city of Petra, crusader castles and the Dead Sea.

During their stay, USTOA board members will also be conducting a half-day workshop with Jordanian ground operators, bringing to them the insight to handling North American operators and travel agents.  The workshop will feature a presentation by Whitley and several board members as well as remarks by airline representatives and members of the Jordan Tourism board.

Within the past three years, Jordan's tourism infrastructure has grown tremendously with new four and five star international hotel chains opening up across he country.  Road developments and reduced visa fees make Jordan attractive to visitors from around the world. Tourism statistics indicate that Jordan is one of the fastest growing destinations in the Middle East.

A major source of income for Jordan, tourism accounts for slightly less than 11 percent of the country's GDP.  Last year, the number of North American visitors comprised 10 percent of arrivals to Jordan. The USTOA trip is part of JTB's marketing efforts in North America to increase the number of tourists to the destination.  Other activities include travel agent seminars, a bi-monthly newsletter, familiarization trips, press trips and participation in major industry trade shows such as IT&ME and ASTA World Congress.

For more information on Jordan, contact Jordan Tourism Board North America toll-free at 1-877-seejordan (733-5673), fax to 703-243-7406, email to seejordan@aol.com or visit www.seejordan.org

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