Information on the Actors Involved in the Tourism Industry in

LIFE Third Countries

Development of Methods and Tools for the Establishment of Good Environmental Performance

in the Tourist Accommodation Sector in Jordan – Implementation of pilot studies

GREEN-TAS

Information on the Actors Involved in the Tourism Industry in Jordan, Their Role and Responsibilities

The Hashemite University

Authors

Dr. Omar Shdeifat

Dr. Mousa Mohsen

Dr. Mairna Mustafa

Dr. Yahya al-Ali

Ms. Bassam al-Mhaisen

1st Issue Zarqa, 2006

Task 1 The Hashemite University

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Table of Contents

1 Introduction........................................................................................................2

2 Tourism Development in Jordan: Principles and Objectives........................4

3 The Actors in Jordanian Tourism Development.............................................4

3.1 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities .......................................................................... 8

3.2 Department of Antiquities......................................................................................... 8

3.3 Jordan Tourism Board............................................................................................ 11 3.4 Inbound Tourism Association................................................................................. 12

3.5 Jordan Hotels Association...................................................................................... 12 3.6 Jordan Tour Guides Association ........................................................................... 16

3.7 Universities .............................................................................................................. 8 3.8 Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature ......................................................... 8 3.9 The Royal Scientific Society..................................................................................... 8 3.10 The Natural Resources Authority ............................................................................. 8 3.11 The Friends of Archaeology ..................................................................................... 8 3.12 Jordan Environment Society .................................................................................... 8 3.13 United Nations.......................................................................................................... 8 3.14 The American Center of Oriental Research............................................................. 8 3.15 Other Archaeological Institutions ............................................................................. 8 3.16 The Commission of Baptism Site ............................................................................. 8 3.17 Transportation .......................................................................................................... 8

4 References .......................................................................................................16

5 Appendices ......................................................................................................23

5.1 Appendix 1: National Tourism Strategy ................................................................. 24 5.2 Appendix 2: A Report about the History of Tourism Board.................................... 24 5.3 Appendix 3: A List of Hotels in Jordan ................................................................... 24 5.4 Appendix 4: A list of Travel Agencies in Jordan..................................................... 24 5.5 Appendix 5: A List of Airlines Offices in Jordan ..................................................... 24


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1 Introduction

Many factors were behind the growth of tourism in Jordan; in addition to the richness in

different resources and attractions, the increase in the local awareness about tourism and

its benefits, the efforts done by different actors to offer a variety of tour packages and

services needed by tourists, and the corporation with international organizations; all as

many other reasons have played a main role in the development of the Jordanian tourism.

The interest in tourism and its development in Jordan have started since the establishment

of the Emirate of Transjordan, which has started to show interest in tourism since 1923,

during that year the Public Antiquities Department was first established with the objective

to preserve, restore and excavate archaeological sites. The first bureau for preservation

and for the control of tourism affairs within the Kingdom was established in the beginning

of 1953 with few officials in (Jerusalem) to provide services and information to pilgrims of

the holy land. Due to the increase of tourists’ activities, the tourism office was converted to

a “Tourism Department” in the city of Jerusalem and was attached to the Prime Minister,

the institution law for this department stipulated that the Prime Minister or his

representative shall have control over this department.

During the same year, department’s main office was transferred from Jerusalem to the

political capital Amman while retaining its office in the city of Jerusalem (as an independent

department subordinate to the House of Ministers), such step was taken to ensure an

orderly work process, and a better coordination with other departments in the government

at that time.

In 1956, the first tourist rest house was built at Al-Ramtha check point with the assistance

of the International Development Agency, especially that the government has become

aware of the necessity to establish centers to provide services to visitors.

In 1965, the amending tourism law No. (45) / 1965 was enacted, such law aimed at the

purpose of increasing the private sector’s participation in the Authority’s Council as well as

in the Consultant Council, and granting more independency to the director of tourist

Authority in addition to increasing the Authority’s budget to reach 20% of tourist annual

income.

It was not before 1967, when a royal decree was passed giving the Tourism Authority the

name of (Ministry) and attaching to it the Public Antiquities Department, and so it was

called the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities.


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In 1981, the tourism Authority and Department of Antiquities, Culture and Youths were

annexed within a unified Ministerial portfolio named the Ministry of Youths, Culture,

Tourism and Public Antiquities. In 1985, Tourism Authority was annexed to the portfolio of

the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism & Antiquities.

In 1988, Tourism Authority was terminated and replaced by the Ministry of Tourism and

Tourism Law No. (20) /1988) was approved.

In 1989, Public Antiquities Department, Ministry of Tourism and Public Antiquities were

merged in one entity. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities became the main sector in

managing and developing tourism in Jordan by Law No. (14)/ 1997, which specifies the

duties of this ministry; these include mainly organizing tourism careers in hotels, tourist

establishment, tourism transportation, restaurants, tour operating, handcraft shops and

tour guiding. (The Development of the Official board of Tourism, www.tourism.jo 2006):

The main aim of this report is to explain the role of this ministry, as well as other main

actors in the development of the Jordanian Tourism. A good starting point might be looking

at the principles and objectives leading the work of such actors.


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2 Tourism Development in Jordan: Principles and Objectives

There are four guiding principles that lead the progress of tourism sector in Jordan,

according to the report by ESCWA (2001), these are:

• Understanding that tourism is a prime component of the Jordanian economy.

• There is a willingness to diversify tourism attractions, and transforming them from

antiquities to that of a general culture base, which is a requirement of new forms of

tourism becoming so familiar around the world.

• Positive and sustainable conservation of different resources.

• Maximizing the complementary nature of both governmental and private sectors.

Such principles require some policies to become possible, these are characterized by:

• Developing the tourism industry in Jordan as the main factor in the growth of

national economy.

• Assuring the availability of quality infrastructure services, which includes hotels,

resorts, restaurants, and basic amenities, which will lead eventually to the increase

of investment in tourism sector.

• The diversification of Jordanian tourism product through new themes and forms of

development regarding cultural resources; which are mainly composed of

archaeological, historical and religious sites; in addition to the creation of new types

of natural, scenic and therapeutic activities. This will be supported by the progress

to be achieved in urban activities as meetings, incentives, conferences and events.

• Increasing the opportunities of investment and cooperation with private sector.

• Applying the highest international standards and specifications in tourism industry

to assure getting quality services and products.

• Enhancing public involvement and integration in the development and management

of tourism projects.

The previously mentioned policies and strategies all indicate the necessity and the presences of some main actors and developers, who will all move in the direction toward achieving the following objectives, as quoted from ESCWA (2001, Pp.50-51):

• Developing an advanced tourism industry capable of utilizing its comparative and

competitive advantages through highly developed infrastructure facilities and

superstructure services.


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• Developing archaeological and tourism sites and resources to enhance the tourism

product, extend tourist length of stay achieve higher, tourism revenues and create

new job opportunities.

• Expanding the role of the Private Sector in tourism investment and capital attraction

within a framework of mutual cooperation between the public and the private

sectors.

• Upgrading the quality of tourism services to the highest international standards.

• Developing tourism awareness of the Kingdom's culture, heritage, civilizations, and

archaeological resources within the framework of sustainable tourism development,

in harmony with local communities and non governmental organizations (NGO’s).

• Strengthening the Institutional framework of the tourism sector by upgrading

legislation, by-laws regulations and human resources' development.

• Organization of marketing and promotion campaigns in both international and

regional markets, to strengthen the international cooperation and promote domestic

tourism.

• Establish and lead marketing and promotion campaigns in international and

regional markets, strengthen international cooperation and promote domestic

tourism.


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3 The Actors in Jordanian Tourism Development

It is already known that there are three main sectors to be involved in tourism

development; these include government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs),

and private sectors. For Jordan, the governmental sector is composed of a number

of ministries and authorities, the NGOs are mainly societies and associations

concerned for environment and enhancement of tourism facilities, the private

sector includes a number of companies devoted for providing a number of tourism

facilities and services (e.g. transportation). Putting overall policies and plans,

coordination with different stakeholders regarding institutional, organizational and

financial aspects; all are to be conducted by the Ministry of Tourism and

Antiquities, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Transport

and Communication. Transportation and infrastructure construction and

maintenance are the mainly the responsibility of Ministry of Public Works and

Housing, as well as Greater Amman Municipality, Aqaba and Petra Regional

Authorities, Jordan Valley Authority and municipalities within each governorates,

also Ministry of Transport, private tourism transport companies, Hijaz and Aqaba

Railway Corporations, Aqaba Port Corporation, Arab Bridge Maritime, Civil Aviation

Authority and Royal Jordanian.

The following diagram shows the general framework for the most important actors

and stakeholders in Jordanian tourism development:


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Fig1: Main Actors and Stakeholders involved in developing tourism in Jordan

From (MOTA & JICA 1995) and was modified


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3.1 Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA)

MOTA is considered as the main government organization involved in tourism and

its development, this ministry includes two sections, one for tourism and the other

is the Department of Antiquities, which operates separately under a separate

director, more explanation about this department is given later in the report. (MOTA

& JICA 1995)

This Ministry aims at encouraging and developing tourism and promotion of tourism

resources and investments in order to enhance its contribution to national

economy, and spread mutual understanding among nations. In order to achieve

such goals, the Ministry performs the following duties, assignments and

responsibilities in cooperation and coordination with the competent authorities (as

listed in its report about the development of the official board of tourism,

(www.tourism.jo 2006) :

• Preserve and develop touristic sites (lands, buildings and mineral water

resorts).

• License and classify touristic professions.

• Facilitate formalities relevant to tourists in cooperation with the competent

authorities and touristic organizations inside and outside the Kingdom, and

provide them with the recreational and care facilities.

• Set up comprehensive and integrated programs for touristic publication and

execute and supervise the same, as well as promote the Kingdom in terms

of tourism in collaboration with the authorities concerned.

• Encourage and organize internal tourism and touristic investment, and

observe and organize touristic programs for this purpose to acquaint citizens

with the kingdom’s landmarks.

• Arrange to secure manpower and technical potential required for touristic

professions in order to upgrade performance level and efficiency of work in

these professions in cooperation with the competent international and local

institutions, organizations and bodies.

• Prepare studies and researches dedicated for the development and

promotion of touristic professions.


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• Establish colleges and institutions for teaching sciences relevant to tourism

in pursuance of the provisions and requirements of the operative higher

education law, and organize administrative, financial and other affairs

related to these colleges and institution under regulations issued in

accordance with the provisions of this law and any other observed laws.

• Another important function for the ministry is establishing the higher tourism

council, which is chaired by the Minister and it includes several other cabinet

Ministers, Board Chairman and senior private sector tourism professionals.

There is also the Tourism Committee, which is chaired by the Secretary

General and it includes members of relevant ministries and tourism

professionals; this committee gives its advice to the Minister.

Fig2: The Organization Chart of MOTA


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3.2 The Department of Antiquities (DOA)

The Department of Antiquities of Jordan (DOA) is the official institutional authority

mandated by law to be responsible for the protection, conservation and

presentation of antiquities in Jordan.

(http://www.hu.edu.jo/Conferences/Early_conference_web/doa1.htm 2006)

The department is headed by a Director General who reports to the Minister of

Tourism and Antiquities, it is a highly centralized establishment with over 700

employees. This establishment is composed of several sub-departments with

different responsibilities, these include: administration, excavations, public and

cultural relations, land expropriation, finance and budgeting, registration of

antiquities, research and publication, offices in each governorate, restoration

and conservation, also the library.

The department is also responsible for several museums distributed in different

governorates, and it has a computerized register of over 9,000 archaeological

sites nationwide, that is to be known as JADIS: (Jordan Antiquities Database

Information Services). (MOTA & JICA 1995)

The first unit represented Department of Antiquities of Jordan was established

in 1924. Its main job was to supervise fieldwork, in cooperation with foreign

expeditions and archaeological missions, and to implement salvage

excavations and limited consolidation and preservation works. The official

Department of Antiquities of Jordan was established in 1928.

The principal policy of the Department of Antiquities is to protect antiquities,

and to consider conservation measures that do not require physical intervention

to the remains as the first choice where possible. The second policy is

regarding the presentation of antiquities, including research, survey, excavation

and site management.

The role of this department is related to tourism since it is responsible for

discovering, exploring, documenting, preserving and preparing archaeological

sites to become tourism attractions, which then allows the Ministry of Tourism

and Antiquities to provide such sites with facilities and services needed by

tourists visiting them.


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(http://www.hu.edu.jo/Conferences/Early_conference_web/doa1.htm 2006)

Antiquities became a source of foreign currency since 1993, when priced entrance

fees were collected at museums and some archaeological sites from local and

foreign visitors, a source of economy that is hopefully to be increasingly integrated

in improving the management of both natural and cultural resources.

The Department of Antiquities has a joint operation with many other

establishments, mainly with: The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, The Royal

Society for the Conservation of Nature, The Royal Scientific Society, and the Petra

National Trust. (MOTA & JICA 1995)

There are many problems facing the DOA, such as the shortage of necessary

resources of all kinds as administrative, laboratories & workshops, vehicles, etc., it

has no financial autonomy, the funds are usually received from the Ministry of

Finance. Another issue is the great number of archaeological sites (over 100,000)

that are distributed across the country, which forms a big workload with limited

resources. There is another problem characterized by the lack of presentation and

the low interest of antiquities by large segments of the society; also the limited

ability of the department to thoroughly excavate and to prepare attractive and user-

friendly interpretive materials to give information to visitors in a big number of sites.

(MOTA & JICA 1995)

3.3 Jordan Tourism Board (JTB)

This board was established as a marketing representative on both local and

international scales. It aims at achieving the following:

• Promoting tourism and increasing its awareness and cooperating with the

ministry and other sectors to achieve this goal.

• Preparing all interpretation and promotion methods as brochures, movies,

and books regarding tourism, as well as distributing and selling them. That

is in addition to magazines and bulletins.


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• Preparing marketing and statistical researches and studies, and applying

them by financing them directly or by international and nongovernmental

organizations.

• Suggesting projects to improve tourism destinations and developing them

in Jordan.

• Participating in training human labor in tourism business and services.

• Establishing a national information center to gather information and data

regarding local and international tourism.

• Contributing to events and activities related tourism as in the case of

festivals and conferences, as well as national events for what relates to the

directions and objectives of the board.

The committee of this board includes permanent members as the minister, Royal

Jordanian representative, Jordanian Hotel Association, transportation companies,

national airlines, and other businesses related tourism. There are also some

elected members, such as classified hotels representatives, tour operators, and

councils responsible for restaurants, tour guiding and rest houses. (MOTA, Law

62/1997)

3.4 Inbound Tourism Association (JITOA)

The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) was established in 2003

to enhance the professionalism and profitability of its members through effective

representation in tourism industry and government affairs, education and training,

and by identifying and meeting the needs of inbound tourism. JITOA is a voice of

action for its members, bringing tourism stakeholders closer together to provide a

better product supported by such entities as the Ministry of Tourism & Antiquities

and the Jordan Tourism Board. It has the vision to achieve global recognition of the

JITOA mark of excellence and the mission to raise the standards of practice in

inbound tourism to Jordan.

The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) is a non-for-profit regular

association that has been established in compliance with the valid legislation. Its

Headquarters will be in Amman and it shall have the right to open other branches

inside Jordan and abroad.


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The Association seeks to achieve the following aims (as listed in their official

website):

• Increase the professional and service level of companies operating in the

inbound tourism domain and help introduce their role as well as modernizing

their modes of operation in line with the emerging developments and

changes.

• Establish a unit, department or supervisory function to oversee operation of

specialized training centers to improve type of services offered by the

inbound tourism companies.

• Gather information and data about the several international markets and

provide members with the same while availing required logistics for

members to express their view and disseminate them with the aim of serving

the common and joint interests of members.

• Encourage members to communicate with and address the specialized

parties involved with their sector in cooperation with other parties and bodies

operating in the tourism sector in order to produce an impact and enhance

involvement of members in the decision making process in relation with their

sector as well as articulating the objectives and aims of the Association.

• Work on setting and implementing a code for the conduct and ethics of the

Association members in order to secure growth and development of the

Inbound Tourism Sector inline with the objectives of the Association and

maintenance of its good reputation and that of its members. In this respect,

members must manage their works following good and sound practices to

reflect in a high quality service delivery.

• Encourage all service providers for the inbound tourism sector to establish,

maintain and provide the best enterprises and services required for the

Sector.

• Support and develop manpower and increase its competence to serve the

inbound tourism sector in cooperation with relevant parties and institutions.

• Fulfill needs of members and requirements of the inbound tourism sector in

the


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• Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan while working on organizing the Sector.

• Maintain mutual communication with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities,

the Jordanian Tourism Promotion Commission, regional tourism institutions,

and other international travel agencies in order to develop objectives and

policies that will empower members and enable them to benefit form their

services in their business dealing.

• Cooperate with local and international agencies by means of exchanging

information, ideas, and statistics in relation with inbound tourism.

• Work with other tourism sectors to promote the Hashemite Kingdom of

Jordan as a safe place for tourists and leisure relaxation including efficient

and effective governmental promotional programs; Fees and taxes imposed

on tourist functions must be reduced, though.

• Set a national agenda including annual tourist functions and activities for

public and private use in order to help planners of the sector to organize and

schedule their operations.

• Raise awareness of citizens in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan as it is

necessary to provide the relevant environment for tourists while maintaining

and protecting the historical antiquities and the infrastructure facilities.

• Conduct required studies to develop legislation, laws and regulations in

relation with the Sector.

• Have the Association registered in the international and regional forums and

associations specialized in this field and work on signing bilateral

agreements.

• Participate in seminars and specialized conferences locally and

internationally.

• Coordinate with the other Jordanian associations.

• Communicate with the official donors in Jordan, and ministries and official

institutions (Investment Promotion Board, Jordanian Tourism Promotion

Commission and the like) in order to support the Sector.

(http://www.jitoa.org/ 2006)


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3.5 Jordan Hotels Association (JHA) Jordan Hotel Association is a non-profit association representing over 400 hotels

(Classified and Unclassified) throughout Jordan. The association was established

in 1969 and seeks to promote cooperation and good relation among proprietors of

the hospitality industry, in addition to assisting members in maintaining a high

standard for their establishments to meet international standards. JHA is a member

of the International Hotel & Restaurant Association (IH&RA), The Arab Hotel &

Tourism Association (AHTA), also is the main supporter of the Jordan Tourism

Board (JTB) in its activities and projects. JHA is the major shareholder for Ammon

College of Hospitality and Tourism Education (ACHTE) one of the best hotel

schools in the Middle East.

The Association has the following objectives (as listed in its official website):

• Protect the hotel industry interests and safeguard its members’ rights.

• Setting and monitoring the Industry Standards.

• Enhance & develop the hotel industry in cooperation with relevant

organizational bodies, government or private.

• Gather information, compile statistics, prepare studies and research work

related to the hospitality industry.

• Develop legislation and laws for the industry.

• Organize local and international conferences and conventions related to the

hotel industry.

• Organize local and international conferences and conventions.

• Organize training courses to support the hotel sector.

• Cooperate with similar Arab & International Hotel & Restaurant

Associations.

• Collaborate with the public & private sectors for environmental issues.

• Publish the JHA newsletter & hotel directory.

The JHA Committees consist of the following members:

• Committee of Developing Hotel & Hospitality Education & Training in

Jordan. It is involved in the preparation of the training courses and education

syllabus of the hotel school.


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• The Committee of Enhancing Hotel Industry & Services in Jordan. This

committee is in charge of setting & monitoring the industry standards in

cooperation with relevant organizational bodies, government or private.

• The Committee of International Relations & Marketing. It cooperates with

similar Arab & International Hotel and Restaurants Associations.

(http://www.johotels.com/ 2006)

3.6 Jordan Tour Guides Association (JTA)

This association was established to supervise and improve the career of tour

guiding in Jordan through the training of its members (guides) and providing them

with necessary health and social rights and insurances. It has the following major

goals:

• To enhance the professional level of members and to market them locally,

regionally and internationally.

• To create a good image for members, and the association in the society.

• To attain independency for the association.

This association seeks the achievement of the following objectives:

• Influence decision making process within the tourism sector.

• Developed flexible operations, processes and procedures easily adapting to

changes in the surrounding environment and conditions.

• Administrative and financial self-sustainability through application of sound

management systems, and introducing new revenue resources.

• High level of discipline, open communication and transparency internally

and externally.

• Development and provision of basic, upgraded, and advanced services

which are needed and affordable by the majority of association members.

• Provision of significant and exceptional services to members and enhancing

their skills and abilities.

• Enhanced standard of living for tourist guides.

• Creation of awareness and enhanced reputation of the association in the

community, and participation in social, national and international activities.


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• Serving as a marketing and promotion tool for the association members

particularly, and for Jordan generally.

• Increased women participation in the tourist guides profession.

• Introduction of (for-fee) services and activities managed by members.

• Provision of highly demanded and feasible activities and projects which yield

significant revenue. (http://www.tourguides.com.jo 2006)

3.7 Universities

There is a number of Jordanian Universities that have established departments of

archaeology and tourism, these departments have the role of teaching these fields

of science, as well as participating in activities as excavations and museum work,

some of them operate archaeological museums on their campuses to display

archaeological material, especially what has been found in the excavations they

conducted. These include the Department of Archaeology in Jordan University; the

Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology, as well as a Tourism Department in

Yramouk University; the Department of Archaeology and Tourism in Mu'tah

University; Queen Rania's Institute of Tourism and Heritage in the Hashemite

University, this institute is composed of the three departments of Sustainable

Tourism, Cultural Resources Management, and Conservation Science; the College

of Archaeology and Tourism in Wadi Musa, that is in addition to many private

universities and community colleges teaching tourism and hotel management (e.g.

Ammon College), as well as some schools and training centers in charge of giving

the basic training in different hotel services.

There are some other relevant organizations that have a role in tourism development in Jordan; the followings are the most active ones:


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3.8 Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN)

The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature is a semi-official body that is

responsible for several natural reserves that are scattered over Jordan. (MOTA &

JICA 1995)

Under the patronage of Her Majesty Queen Noor, RSCN was established in 1966

with His Majesty the late King Hussein as Honorary President. The main objective

of this organization is protecting and managing the natural resources of Jordan,

particularly, wildlife and wild places. Thus, it is one of the few voluntary

organizations in the Middle East with such a public service mandate.

Because of its pioneering conservation work, the RSCN has achieved international

recognition and acclaim. It has a policy that is based on setting up protected areas to

safeguard the best wildlife and scenic areas as well as breeding endangered species to

save them from extinction. In addition to enforcing governmental laws to protect wildlife,

control illegal hunting and raise awareness in environmental issues through educational

programs.

The main achievement of RSCN is establishing seven protected areas covering over 1200

square kilometers. These areas occupy a great variety of wild plants, animals and other

natural resources, which is in addition to the great landscape they have.

Another successful achievement is the captive breeding of the endangered Arabian

Oryx, gazelle and ibex and their re-introduction into the wilderness is considered a

pioneering step of conservational activity in the region. Increasing the awareness of

the society was one of the focal points the society considered; setting up over 1000

Nature Conservation Clubs in schools to raise children's awareness regarding

environmental issues was by making them practically involved in conservation

activities and projects. The socio-economic development of local people is another

task for RSCN's team. (http://www.rscn.org.jo)

http://www.rscn.org.jo/


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3.9 The Royal Scientific Society

The Royal Scientific Society is a national institution that conducts research and

provides services in different technical and business fields; it has both state and

private funding. One of its achievements to relate to tourism is the work conducted

on the architectural heritage of the city of Salt, which is a great documentation

project that aimed getting and saving information regarding this heritage, especially

with the great urbanization movement witnessed in the country. (MOTA & JICA

1995)

3.10 The Natural Resources Authority (NRA)

This authority is a department that belongs to the Ministry of Energy and Mineral

Resources. It has conducted highly technical and geotechnical studies and

geological mapping at different locations as Petra and Kerak, there were different

standard procedures for environmental and cultural resources impact assessments

for feasibility studies and to measure effects of any proposed projects on different

resources, this authority has signed a cooperation agreement with the Department

of Antiquities for such purposes. (MOTA & JICA 1995)

3.11 The Friends of Archaeology

This is a non-governmental organization and a pressure group that aims to build

awareness regarding the significance of antiquities in education and tourism in

Jordan, it has over 400 members including Jordanians and expatriates living in

Jordan, it runs a program of different cultural events. (MOTA & JICA 1995)

3.12 Jordan Environment Society (JES)

This is an NGO with over 2000 members and over 60 institutions/companies that

are organized into 16 local branches. This society is responsible for environmental

education and public awareness, which comes through the National Environmental

Information and Education Program, as well as the Water Awareness Program; it

has the following main objectives:


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• Fighting environmental pollution, mainly by the rapid application of

standards and policies.

• Identifying and mitigating environmental problems.

• Improvement of the level of the environmental awareness.

(MOTA & JICA 1995)

There are some international organizations that were active in developing tourism

and archaeology in Jordan, these are some of them:

3.13 United Nations (UN)

UNESCO sponsored an integrated management plan for an archaeological park in

Petra, which is responsible now for the development and the protection of Petra

Site (PAP: Petra Archaeological Park). The UN affiliate, the International Council

on Monuments and Sites, has designated two sites in Jordan as World Heritage

Sites; these are Petra Qasr 'Amra (one of the Umayyad desert castles in Jordan).

(MOTA & JICA 1995)

3.14 The American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR)

This center is located in Amman and was created in 1968 with the assistance of

the US government (USIA, US-AID), it works mainly on the archaeological projects

in Jordan. The US-AID's program aims at enhancing a number of selected sires,

and to provide them with necessary facilities to create tourism destinations, as well

as getting the involvement and the support of the local community through NGOs.

The sites of Amman Citadel, Petra and Madaba Archaeological Park were the main

locations selected for this project. (MOTA & JICA 1995)

3.15 Other Archaeological Institutions

There are some other archaeological institutes in Jordan that aims at exploring and

conserving archaeological and heritage sites; these include: the Institut Francais d'


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Archeologie du Proche Orient, the British Institute for Archaeology and History, and

the German Protestant Institute for Archaeology.

3.16 The Commission of Baptism Site

The site was declared as an archaeological and religious destination with an area

of 7 km2, a commission was formed to manage the site and its development under

the name of Baptism Site Commission, and this is under the supervision of HRH

Prince Ghazi Bin Mohammad, the Director of the Board of Directors of the Baptism

Site Commission. The construction of the infrastructure at the site started in 1999;

it was characterized by a paved road leading to the site, in addition to the services

of electricity, water and communication. There were also paths that were

constructed among the different features and locations within the Baptism Site, as

well as terraces on the river, a visitor center, shops, restaurants, baptism pools,

VIP lounge and other services.

(http:// www.baptismsite.com)

3.17 Transportation

Transportation includes the road transport for tourists characterized by companies

operating chartered and regular bus services, the chartered services for group

tours of foreigners are the major activity, the most common destinations are Petra,

Jerash, Amman City Tour, King's Highway including Kerak, Aqaba, Dead Sea,

Pella, and Um Qais, as well as Desert Castles and Wadi Rum. Other forms of

transportation include Hijaz Railway Corporation running tours from Amman to the

Syrian Border.

Regarding the water transport, regular passenger transport by water is limited to

the ferry service operated by the Arab Bridge Maritime Co. (ABM) between Aqaba


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and Nuweibeh. There are 3 ferries operated by ABM, these include Santa

Catherina with the capacity of 3,000 passengers, 270 small cars and 27 trucks;

Concorde with the capacity of 3,000 passengers and 200 vehicles; and Jimly with

the capacity of 1,500 passengers and 70 vehicles, but not operated regularly, there

are also cruises received from Europe.

For the Civil Aviation, airlines including Royal Jordanian carry passengers and

goods to and from Jordan via Queen Alia International Airport (Q.A.I.A) and Aqaba

Airport. In special or emergency cases, the old Amman Air Port (Marka Airport) is

used; (Q.A.I.A) and Aqaba Airport are managed by the Civil Aviation Authority.

(MOTA & JICA 1995)


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4 References

4.1 -The Development of the Official Board of Tourism, www.tourism.jo, 2006.

4.2 -Department of Antiquities in Jordan http://www.hu.edu.jo/Conferences/Early_conference_web/doa1.htm, 2006.

4.3 -Laws and Legislations issued by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities: www.tourism.jo, in Legislation 2006.

4.4 -Jordan Hotel Association http://www.johotels.com, 2006.

4.5 -Jordanian Tour Guide Association http://www.tourguides.com.jo, 2006.

4.6 -Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association http://www.jitoa.org, 2006.

4.7 -Baptism Site Commission. (2005). http:// www.baptismsite.com. Retrieved August 1, 2004.

4.8 -The Study on the Tourism Development Plan in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MOTA) & Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), 1995.


24

5 Appendices

5.1 Appendix 1: National Tourism Strategy

5.2 Appendix 2: A Report about the History of Tourism Board

5.3 Appendix 3: A List of Hotels in Jordan

5.4 Appendix 4: A list of Travel Agencies in Jordan

5.5 Appendix 5: A List of Airlines Offices in Jordan

Documents

Information on the Actors Involved in the Tourism Industry in