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Jordan Tourism Board Jordan has been getting its well-deserved moment in the spotlight and this fascinating country is always creating news and novel angles – a storytellers’ dream. Reasons to visit the Near East’s most peaceful destination keep being created and we are excited to share them with you.

Jordan continues to welcome travelers in true Bedouin style. Hospitality is at the root of Bedouin culture and Jordanians are looking forward to saying to you and your clients, "ahlan wa sahlan fi al'urdun" - Welcome to Jordan!

ABOUT

A land steeped in history, Jordan is home to some of mankind's earliest settlements and villages. Relics of many of the world's great civilizations can still be seen today. Jordan has served as a strategic nexus connecting Asia, Africa and Europe. Thus, since the dawn of civilization, Jordan's geography has given it an important role to play as a conduit for trade and communications, connecting east and west, north and south. Jordan continues to play this role today.

Jordan is located in the Middle East and borders Syria, Saudi Arabia, the Red Sea, Palestine, Israel, and Iraq and covers some 89,342 sq.km.

What's New in Jordan

Where to be in 2023: Aqaba made Time Magazine's “World's Greatest Places of 2023” and Jordan made Lonely Planet's “Best in Travel 2023: Unwind.”

New Flight Routes: United Airlines launched non-stop flights three times per week from Washington Dulles to Amman on May 5th, 2022 - a first for the American airline. Royal Jordanian also launched direct flights from Toronto, Ontario to Amman.

UNESCO Recognition: Jordan's National Dish: In 2023, UNESCO added Mansaf, the national dish of Jordan, to the representative list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dish contains rice, goat, or sheep meat and jameed, a dried yogurt sauce. Mansaf is typically served on a large tray with flat Arabic bread decorated with pine nuts or almonds. Mansaf has been a part of Jordanian culture for centuries and has maintained its status as one of the most cherished local dishes.

Jordan Trail 2023 Thru-Hike: The Jordan Trail will begin their fall Thru-Hike on October 13, 2023. This guided hiking experience includes licensed guides, transportation, meals, accommodations and more. Visit the Jordan Trail website for more information on how to join.

2023 Celebrity sightings in Jordan: Several A-list stars have visited Jordan this year. Several A-list starts have visited Jordan this year including Oprah Winfrey and her best friend Gayle King, Salma Hayek and even the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Jordan's First Dedicated Film Studio Opened September 23, 2023: Olivewood Film Studios, located just outside of Amman, consists of two 1,500 metre squared soundstages, plus 16 acres of backlot. The studio is expected to support Jordan's growing film industry. Feature films have been shot in the country in the last two decades including Rogue One: A Start Wars Story, Dune and The Martian.

100 Best Suitable Sites in the World: Jordan's Azraq Wetland Reserve was recognized by the World Green Organization and has been categorized as one of the 100 best suitable sites in the world. This wetland is unique because it's a migratory stopover for various birds from three continents, resulting in it being a population destination for bird watching. Moreover, the wetland provides visitors with numerous outdoor and cultural experiences, including cycling and hiking activities and the opportunity to learn from local residents on how to cook cultural dishes.

storystarters

Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan

Meaningful, Sustainable Travel

In 2018, The Jordan Tourism Board launched the Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan in partnership with Tourism Cares. The map highlights 12 social enterprise experiences that are at once powerful and positive for both travelers and communities. Highlights include:

Ammarin Bedouin Camp: A 10-minute walk from Little Petra, Ammarin Bedouin Camp is ecologically conscious and supports the local Ammarin tribe. Overnight guests stay in goat-hair tents with real beds, hot showers and electricity. Also on offer are camel rides, a sight and sound show and Ammarin Museum tours.

Feynan Ecolodge: Solar-powered and off-the-grid, the 26-room Feynan Ecolodge is one of the top green accommodations in the world. The ecolodge supports the community by hiring local and by hiring women. The resort recycles water and uses alternative sources of energy.

Al Numeira Environmental Association: Bike, snack, and get dirty in their gardens and other projects, learning with one of the Rift Valley's newest social startups.

Bani Hamida Women's Weaving Project: Try your hand at traditional weaving, boosting women's rights and livelihoods.

Iraq al Amir Women's Cooperative: Learn traditional paper making, pottery and more with your family at this renowned centre for local training and knowledge.

Syrian Jasmine House: Celebrate multicultural Jordan by learning soap-making and crochet, helping their newest residents and women entrepreneurs.

Dana Biosphere Reserve: Covering more than 300 square kilometres of spectacular mountains and Wadis along the face of the Great Rift Valley, Dana Biosphere Reserve is Jordan's largest nature reserve.

Adventure Experiences

Hiking the Jordan Trail

The Jordan Trail is the first long-distance hiking trail in Jordan and crosses the entire country, from Um Qais in the north all the way to Aqaba in the south. Offering 650 kilometres and 36-40 days of hiking through diverse landscapes, travelling Jordan by foot is a practice as old as the ancient trails themselves.

The Jordan Trail Association (JTA), a non-governmental organization that manages it, organizes an annual fully supported Thru-Hike as part of its fundraising activities and support to the local communities that the trail passes through (52 towns and villages).

Several licensed tour operators and local hiking companies offer supported group hikes along the trail. In addition, accommodations depending on the region, are also provided. These include guest houses, hotels, eco-lodges, homestays with local families, camps and wild camping.

Cycling the Jordan Bike Trail

The Jordan Bike Trail is a 730km, mixed-surface bike route that crosses the entire length of the beautiful Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Starting from the North in Um Qais and ending in the Southern port of Aqaba, it passes through an impressive variety of historical and natural wonders. The trail begins with rolling hills, olive groves, and farms in the North; continues across the dramatic canyons of the Dead Sea region; meanders through the remarkable landscapes of Dana, Petra, and Wadi Rum – before finally splashing into the Red Sea.

There are a number of ways to experience the Jordan Bike Trail, from a fully supported trip without the need to carry any gear or reserve accommodation, to a minimalist bikepacker adventure, or anything in between. You can join a small group tour, create a tour with the level of support you desire, or ride the trail independently.

Diving in Aqaba

A little-known destination for divers, Aqaba showcases some of the best dive sights in the Red Sea, while Jordan’s coastline represents the northern most outcropping of coral reef in the world. Coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba offer 21 diving locations for the exploration of diverse, colorful and unique coral reefs. To meet tourism demand but also protect the area's marine life, some of the coral reefs were relocated. The newly created dive sites (with replanted coral that has steadily grown up to two inches per year), just in front of the Aqaba Marine Park, opened to the public in 2018.

There are many outdoor adventures to enjoy in Jordan including some of the following - canyoning 410 metres (1345 ft) below sea level in Wadi Mujib, rock climbing in Wadi Rum, scuba diving in Aqaba, riding on a camel or in a hot air balloon.

Holy Jordan

Bethany Beyond the Jordan is like no other place on earth. As the birthplace of Christianity, it is of profound importance to believers. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan welcomes pilgrims from around the world. However, it is just one of the many Old and New Testament locations in Jordan easily accessible to pilgrims who make the journey.

Madaba, dubbed “The City of Mosaics”, is part of the biblical land of Moab, just off the storied King’s Highway. Madaba’s real masterpiece, in the Orthodox Church of Saint George, is the 6th century AD mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land – the earliest religious map of the Holy Land in any form to survive from antiquity.

Today, Madaba is within easy driving distance of many biblical locations, including Mount Nebo; Um Rassas; Mukawir; the Dead Sea; Lot’s Cave; Amman; and Bethany Beyond the-Jordan Baptism Site.

Food Scene with a social twist

Food lovers are having a field day in Jordan, particularly if they're looking for a social twist to their food. Here are a few highlights:

Wineries: Some say the wine Jesus was served at the Last Supper came from what is now Northern Jordan. Winemaking in Jordan dates back many centuries, but the modern wine industry was only revived in 1975 using imported vines. Wine is grown in northern Jordan, where higher elevation and soil provide the right conditions for growing superior grapes. In Amman, enjoy an evening of wine-tasting at the Zumot Winery headquarters where you will sample and learn how some of Jordan’s finest organic wine is made. Pop by JR Wines tasting room in the center of Amman to sample more incredible Jordanian wines.

One of the World’s Best Vegan Destinations: Jordan is a wonderful destination for foodies, including vegan ones. Food from this region was historically light on meat and other animal products and rich in legumes, rice, fruit, vegetables, olive oil, and bread. There’s no shortage of delicious vegan foods. Baked breads and taboon flatbread is wonderful with hummus or ful, a warm dish made with fava beans, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil and chilli. Falafel, olives, pickles, wonderful fresh salads and many other specialties await in Jordan.

Food with Meaning: Summaga Cafe - Near Aljoun Castle, you can dine on 100 per cent organic fare from a women-led farmers' cooperative. Bait Khayrat Souf Kitchen and Garden - Serves up food and cooking lessons while providing training and jobs to local women Beit Sitti - Meaning "My grandmother's house," in Arabic, this Amman restaurant run by three sisters offer lessons in cooking and Jordanian heritage.

WELLNESS RETREATS, LUXURY ESCAPES and accommodations

Home of the Dead Sea

Dead Sea Pampering: Spend a day floating in the buoyant therapeutic waters of the Dead Sea and being treated with the natural healing mud. Get personalized pampering at one of the area’s world-class spas like the 10,000 Sqm (107,639 sq ft) Resense Spa in Kempinski Hotel Ishtar, Dead Sea. It’s the largest spa in the region with the largest hydro-pool near the Dead Sea.

Luxury Camping: Jordan’s Wadi Rum desert offers luxury campsites and dining experiences surrounded by gorgeous mountains, red-coloured sand dunes, and a magnificent night sky filled with stunning stars. Hasan Zawaideh Camp, Memories Aicha Luxury Camp, and other luxury camps offer luxuriously furnished tents with beds, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, running water and wonderful Bedouin hospitality.

Romantic Beach Destination: The coastal city of Aqaba offers clear sunny skies, sandy beaches, water activities in the Red Sea, luxurious resorts and amazing restaurants. Whether you stay at the Al Manara, Mövenpick Resort & Residences Aqaba, the brand new Cloud7 Residence, Ayla Aquaba, or another property, there are plenty of places to be pampered by the Red Sea.

Evason Ma’In Hot Springs: The secluded Evason Ma’In Hot Springs is a tranquil oasis in the desert, a world-renowned international spa, near a hot springs waterfall 260 metres (853 ft) below sea level.

Bedouin camps to luxury lodging, accommodation in Jordan have a story to tell

In the heart of Wadi Rum’s majestic desert, stands the incredible Sun City Camp offering serenity and spiritual soothing experience of living in the desert and enjoying the simple Bedouin life of the valley with its unmatched authentic charm and beauty. Such an experience is featured through variety of high standard services, amenities, and accommodation options to choose from alongside a wide range of relaxing and adventurous recreational activities. The camp is located in Wadi Rum about 60 km from Aqaba city and 313 km from Amman.

Crown Plaza Hotel Petra reopened its doors this year after extensive renovations. The hotel features 145 rooms, chalets and a conference hall.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amman, recently opened in the distinguished 5th circle. It offers guests an extensive wellness experience with a full-service spa containing various amenities, including a relaxation lounge, six treatment rooms, indoor and outdoor temperature-controlled pools and the largest Jacuzzi in town.

Arts & culture

The Jordan Museum is located in the dynamic new downtown area of Ras al-‘Ayn and aims to be a jumping off point for visitors to entice them to explore the cultural sites and cities in Jordan. Presenting the history and cultural heritage of Jordan in a series of beautifully designed galleries, The Jordan Museum serves as a comprehensive national centre for learning and knowledge that reflects Jordan’s history and culture, and presents the ongoing story of Jordan’s past, present, and future.

Arab fashion has captured our fascination for hundreds of years and the Tiraz Centre is an interactive museum where the region’s history is told through textiles and clothing. The Centre’s Widad Kamel Collection is home to one of the most significant archives of Arab fashion and costume heritage.

Darat al Funan is a home for the arts housed in six renovated historical buildings and warehouses, with a restored archaeological site in the garden. It is located just a few minutes from downtown Amman's King Faisal Street, and from Jabal al Weibdeh's Paris Circle.

From the very beginning Darat al Funan has played a pivotal role in hosting, exhibiting and supporting artists from the Arab world, from modern masters such as Adam Henein, Fahrelnissa Zeid, Farid Belkahia, Marwan, Rafa’ al Nasiri, and Shaker Hassan al Said, to contemporaries such as Adel Abidin, Ahlam Shibli, Amal Kenawy, Emily Jacir, Hrair Sarkissian, and Mona Hatoum. Many artists had their first solo exhibition in the region at Darat al Funun.

Ancient Architecture

The oldest residence in the city, located just a stones-throw from the bustling souks of downtown, the Duke’s Diwan has an open door policy of accepting all curious willing to climb the steep staircase leading to its storied rooms.

Built in 1924 by Abdul Rahman Madi, the space at 12 King Faisal Street serves as one of the finest reminders available of the architectural heritage of Old Amman. Named “Duke” in honor of its benefactor( Mamdouh Bisharat the Duke of Mukheiheh), and “Diwan” in reference to the Arabic word for the room of the house always open to guests, the modern Duke’s Diwan has become a meeting place for creators and visionaries from near and far to convene in moments of artistic celebration and contemplation.

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Meet the locals

Muna Haddad is the founder and managing director of Baraka, an Amman-based company that specializes in sustainable tourism development. Muna has been making waves in Jordan, where she spearheaded a new model of community-based tourism. In the last two years, she opened two B&Bs in Jordan's lesser-visited areas in the north, which created a slew of micro-enterprises in marginalized communities, many run by women (such as Galsoum's Kitchen, a home-based restaurant in the village of Um Qais). The new Four Seasons Amman has ust started working with Baraka to offer tailor-made tours to lesser-known areas of Jordan. Muna was also instrumental in the creation of the Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan AND the Jordan Trail. A full list of the experiences created by Haddad’s company, Baraka Destinations may be found here.

Set in Pella city, on a close proximity from the archeological ruins, there sits a house for Ammar Khammash.

Ammar Khammash is a Jordanian/Palestinian architect and painter and his work is based on the integration of building designs with nature and the surrounding environment of the building. Khammash has been involved with a number of significant historical-architectural constructions and renovations in Jordan that combine his architectural skills with his passion for historical preservation. He is one of Jordan’s most noted architects, and also an accomplished artist and photographer. Since 1990, he has mounted a number of solo exhibitions of his paintings in Jordan, India, the United States, and Germany.

Khammash was responsible for the building of Feynan Eco Lodge and Beit Al Fannan in the historic area of Pella.

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tartanbond | PR Consultants | Jordan Tourism Board, N.A. | visitjordan@tartanbond.com

Janine Jervis | Communications Director | Jordan Tourism Board, N.A. | Janine@visitjordan.com