JITOA conducts first Familiarization (FAM) trip of 2009 to Salt

General Managers from JITOA's tour operators members and representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Jordan Tourism Development Project II of the U.S. Agency for International Development (Siyaha II), Tourism Police, Balqa Governorate and the Tourism Directorate and the Municipality of Salt and JETT transportation joined Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities staff in touring the Historical Old Salt Museum, located in the newly renovated Abu Jaber House on Saturday, February 7.

Participants toured the Abu Jaber House at 10 am and then listened to presentations by JICA and Siyaha II about all the work that has been completed in Salt and what additional projects are planned.

"This FAM trip is a great opportunity for our members to see the beautiful, renovated museum, which was supported by JICA and to hear about new projects that Siyaha II and the Ministry are pursuing," remarked JITOA Chairman Ayham Fakeralden.

Participants of the FAM trip walked some of the new designated city trails of Salt. JICA, Siyaha II and the Ministry have worked on building new steps and creating lookouts and view points at various locations in the city.

"We are utilizing our experience in developing the tourism product in Madaba and Wadi Rum to create a tourism development strategy for Salt and are working closely with MoTA to involve all stakeholders in implementing this strategy," said Mr. Ibrahim Osta, Chief of Party of the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project II. "This includes local government, the private sector and entrepreneurs, and the community in Salt."

After the presentations, Ayman Abu-Jalmeh, Director of Balqa Tourism Directorate, guided the participants through some of the designated city trails, pointing out historical Ottoman homes and giving insight into Salt's rich history.

Participants also took a tour of the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf's new training center in the historic, restored old English Hospital. Brother Andrew L. de Carpentier, Director of the Institute, was on hand to give a tour and update participants about the many services, handicrafts training and educational opportunities the Institute offers.

Finally participants walked through Suq al Hammam, Salt's wonderful market street.

"Salt has important classical, religious and voluntourism aspects in its environs. Besides the Holy Land Institute for the Deaf, there are numerous tombs of important Islamic prophets in and around Salt. The architecture is unique and is a welcome addition to any tour. In fact, we encourage our members to visit Salt first and then drive south on the highway to the Dead Sea. It is a great way to showcase what Salt has to offer and another route to the Dead Sea," remarked Nizar Al Adarbeh, Executive Director of JITOA.

Due to the overwhelming positive response, a second FAM trip will take place on Sunday, February 8 for the Operations, Marketing and Sales staff of JITOA members.