The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and the Jordan Inbound Tour Operator Association (JITOA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sunday, 20/1/2019, aiming to enhance collaboration together, and to develop joint programs in the tourism sector. The agreement also stresses the importance of sharing activities between the two parties, in order to increases the promotion efforts of both parties programs. This agreement is a continuation of the innovative role of both Associations in tourism sector for many years, and to encourage eco-tourism and create new promotion for these programs. On the other hand, the two entities will work on the implementation of collaborative trainings, workshops, programs and trips for service providers in the tourism sector.

Furthermore, the RSCN will provide JITOA members with special prices for accommodation services in reserves that are managed by the RSCN, and shall extend a special discount on products that are marketing by the RSCN, and which are made by local community women.

Mr. Yahya Khalid, General Manager of the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, said: "This partnership is a continuation of the cooperation with the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association, which started years ago. We aim to work together on the development of the tourism product with relation to ecotourism specifically, and promote the services of the RSCN.”

Khalid continued by saying "This role is complementary to many strategic partnerships that RSCN is working on this year with the various entities in the sector, such as with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, and others, since the responsibility for marketing tourism programs and eco-tourism is a joint effort between all groups.”

Director of Eco-tourism at the Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature, Mr. Ashraf Barqawi, also stated that "building sustainable partnerships with all concerned parties is very important, to achieve benefits to all parties through various marketing programs."

Mr. Awni Kawar, Chairman of the Board at The Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association, commented by saying: "The signing of the MOU is part of a bigger plan at JITOA to continue strengthening communication channels with all major players in the sector. The RSCN is a major player in our sector, and it is only natural that we complement each other’s services and offerings”. Kawar added that “one of the main goals of the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association is to keep abreast of all new developments in tourism sector in Jordan, with the aim of supporting local tour operators enhance their offering to the tourist who are planning to visit Jordan. Moreover, we need to work together to and market these programs in through JITOA’s website on www.jitoa.org”.

Source: JITOA