Contact:
Tania Ghossein, Jordan Tourism Board North America
Tel: 703-243-7404
Email: tania@seejordan.org

Christine Moore, Epiphany Media
Tel: 469-688-5683
Email: christine@epiphanymedia.info

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jordan Travel Mart Draws 100+ North and Latin American Tour Operators
Diverse Travel Experiences, Bargain Luxury Spur Increased Interest in Jordan from the Americas

MCLEAN, Virginia (Jan. 28, 2007) – More than 100 tour operators -- “buyers” of tourism products and services – and travel journalists from North and Latin America have registered for the first annual Jordan Travel Mart (JTM), Feb. 10-12, 2008, at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center at the Dead Sea.

“The Jordan Travel Mart marks a turning point for our destination,” said Malia Asfour, Director of the Jordan Tourism Board, North America (JTBNA), who spearheaded the event as a way to better connect Jordan’s outbound and inbound operators. “After years of building and refining the Jordan tourism product, Jordan has emerged as a multi-dimensional, affordable destination that matches the expressed needs of travelers from this market. From volun-tourism to adventure, religious to cultural travel, cruising to spa retreats and so much more, 21st century travelers want what Jordan has to offer – this is our chance to showcase this to the trade. In 2007, tourism from the Americas increased by around 5.1%.”

The carefully qualified Jordan Travel Mart buyers will meet with representatives of more than 50 Jordan hotels, receptive operators, and other “suppliers” of travel services in Jordan during the three-day event. JTM activities include seminars, educational workshops, networking social events, and a unique pre-scheduled appointments format that arranges specific 25-minute appointments between the buyers and suppliers. Most of the international delegates also are participating in a variety of extensive pre- and post-event tours throughout the kingdom.

The Jordan Tourism Board has partnered with many of Jordan’s leading tourism companies and organizations to coordinate the Jordan Travel Mart. Sponsors include Royal Jordanian Airlines; the Kempinski, Marriott and Moevenpick resorts at the Dead Sea; the Jordan Hotel Association (JHA); the Jordan Restaurant Association (JRA); the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN); The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA); Jordan Express Tourist Transport Company (JETT); and the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Center.

“The Jordan Travel Mart is a one-stop opportunity to connect the Jordan travel industry with travel professionals from these important markets,” said Nayef H. Al-Fayez, Managing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board. “We are confident that when these buyers return to their homes and offices, their firsthand experiences and up-to-date information on our unique destination will better equip them to develop fresh travel packages that meet the needs of travelers from their markets.”

“The international buyers are making a substantial investment of time and resources to participate at the Jordan Travel Mart,” said William H. Coleman, president of William H. Coleman, Inc, the firm managing the event. “Buyers pay a US$150 registration fee plus airfare, and also pay for their pre- or post-tours, so this as a strong indicator of the viability of the Jordan product and commitment from tour operators in the Americas to the long-term development of packages to this one-of-a-kind destination.”