The city of Amman is built on a series of hills out of almost uniform local white stone. The city of Amman is built on a series of hills out of almost uniform local white stone.

Think of Jordan and what automatically springs to mind? Petra of course. But there’s so much more to offer your clients in this fascinating country. Monika Grzesik went to Jordan to find out what.

Mention Jordan and for most travel agents two things will automatically spring to mind: Petra and the Dead Sea.

And while it’s true that Petra is without doubt one of the most spectacular sights in the Middle East, and the Dead Sea, one of the most unique, there is so much more to discover in this fascinating country.

Story continues below
Advertisement

At some of Jordan’s lesser-known places you can explore the rock formations at Wadi Rum, see Roman ruins at Jerash; find sun, sea, sand and diving on the coast at Aqaba, not to mention a captivating combination of ancient and contemporary life in Jordan’s vibrant capital city of Amman.

“For many visitors, Jordan is only Petra but when they visit they are surprised to see that Petra - which is indeed a world wonder - is only a gateway to what Jordan offers its visitors,” says Saed Zawaideh, regional marketing coordinator Jordan Tourism Board (JTB).

JTB is now making a major effort to ensure that the country’s other attractions are not overlooked by tourists, with a branding strategy focusing on six diversified experiences; history and culture, leisure and wellness, fun and adventure, religion and faith, eco and nature and MICE.

“‘Jordan Takes You Beyond’, is our slogan and how we brand Jordan,” says Zawaideh.

“JTB has been marketing Wadi Rum as an adventure destination for adventure and nature lovers, Jerash which is the most preserved Roman city outside Rome, Ajloun which combines both the nature and history experiences, and many more touristic sites within our 11 international representative offices,” he explains.

“The government is also providing facilities and resources to make tourism a more developed sector with infrastructural developments such as different category hotel facilities and enhanced roads and services.”

Last year, according to JTB, Jordan received around 1 million visitors from the GCC region, with the majority arriving during the summer months.

“We are noticing an increased interest in Jordan from neighbouring countries such as Syria and Lebanon, so we are focusing now on attracting more visitors from there,” adds Zawaideh.