incentives: Experience Jordan
Experience Jordan
Have you ever wanted to live out the escapades of Indiana Jones and battle against the harsh desert climate with the awe-inspiring rose red city of Petra as a backdrop? Or how about going head to head with your company's managing director in a Roman chariot race? Hire the right local destination management company (DMC ) and your delegates could be doing just that. Incentives in Jordan can be as creative as your imagination allows.
Jordan can be easily explored during a short trip as all major tourist sites are within a few hours driving distance. Amman, the Dead Sea, Jerash, Ajloun, even Petra are all within about three hours of each other.
And it’s not just the sites that are diverse, guests can experience these varied landscapes by hot air balloon, horse treks, camel rides or white water rafting.
‘Jordan is a land rich in biblical sites, historic landmarks and dramatic natural landscapes. The rose red city of Petra is one of the 'Seven new wonders of the world', the Dead Sea is the lowest point on Earth lying 400 metres below sea level, and the diversity of ancient and modern monuments is exemplified
in its capital city of Amman,’ says Fadi Sayess, managing director, Discovery Jordan.
Discovery Jordan is a tour operator that specialises in the corporate market, with 70 percent of its business coming from meetings and incentive operations. The company has managed corporate events for Nokia, Sanofi Avantis, Johnson & Johnson and ABN AMRO , to name a few.
‘There is great potential on the meetings and incentives front in Jordan, especially with all the new developments taking place. From accommodation to meeting and conference centres, developments are happening across Jordan, especially in the Dead Sea, Petra and Aqaba,’ says Sayess.
Ziad Dakkak from Dakkak Tours International believes there are four key reasons Jordan is an excellent destination for incentives. ‘Jordan is a short distance from any country in Europe; Jordan is a safe environment for visitors; we have an excellent climate during the whole year, so events can be planned year round; and Jordan is excellent value for money compared to other countries in the region,’ he says.
Dakkak estimates 30 percent of his business concentrates on conferences and incentives. ‘This is definitely a growing industry for Jordan,’ he says. Acting on this, Dakkak Tours International has created a special incentive package for visitors linked to Jordan’s unique history.
‘It is almost 100 years since Lawrence of Arabia visited Jordan and traversed the now famous Wadi Rum. This enchanting, historical part of the country and his voyage has inspired the Lawrence of Arabia incentive package, which includes the Hijazi railway battles and crossing of Wadi Rum. Groups that have taken the tours rave about their amazing ‘out of this world’ experience.’
Established in 1955, Dakkak Tours International is one of the leading tour operators in Jordan. The company serves more than 15,000 tourists a year from around the world, including numerous incentive groups.
When it comes to incentive options the list goes on. The capital city of Amman is the epicentre of where modern life meets ancient culture with art galleries and skyscrapers of contemporary commerce rubbing shoulders with the ancient citadel and amphitheatre.
In Madaba groups can discover the ancient mosaics, still produced by the local people, and visit the Greek Orthodox church housing the famous map of the Holy Land that dates back to the 6th century. Other attractions include the breathtaking beauty of the desert of Wadi Rum; or experiencing weightlessness by floating in the healing waters of the Dead Sea.
Petra Events recommends visits to Bethany and the baptism site, or Ajloun Castle, which was built by one of Saladin’s generals in 1184 and today still sits proud in the Jordan Valley.
Other incentive options include a visit to Jerash, where delegates can explore the well preserved Roman ruins and also watch a unique live show of Roman Army chariots and gladiators.
Destinations of the World (DOTW) also recommends incentive groups visit the royal stables in Amman, try their hand at bartering in a local souk, learn how to make mosaics by the Dead Sea, or experience Petra by candlelight at night.
‘Jordan is very promising, being a unique destination for those who relish outdoor adventure. It is a friendly and welcoming country and one of the safest in the Middle East, offering different experiences of local traditions and modern life,’ says Ayham Fakheralden, executive manager, DOTW - Levant.
Fakheralden also recommends groups visit Wadi Rum where DOTW can arrange camping in traditional Bedouin tents, experience a Bedouin wedding performance, ride the sand dunes in buggies or float on high in hot air balloons. With a host of unique attractions, it is not surprising that Jordan has seen a steady increase in incentives business in recent years.
‘Jordan is all about history and culture,’ says Raja Sharayha, director of incentives and congresses, Karma House Travel. ‘We have a department especially dedicated to meetings and incentive travel because we see that Jordan has everything it takes to be a top destination for delegates with five-star hotel offerings, modern and ancient attractions, and excellent conference facilities.
‘Incentive activities can range from visits to historical sites, such as Jerash and Petra, to 4X4 drives through different landscapes and diving adventures to discover the vibrant marine life in Aqaba. And we can cater to groups ranging in size from 15 to 500 pax,’ he adds.
Volun-tourism
There is a growing interest in combining tourism with volunteering opportunities and incorporating these activities into incentive itineraries.
‘Karma House Travel was one of the first DMCs to offer volun-tourism options to involve corporate guests in projects to assist the local people. This resulted in a very positive cultural exchange,’ says Sharayha. Karma House Travel developments include the 2008 opening of the King Aretas IV camp in Petra. Offering 50 tents for up to 100 persons, the camp provides full housekeeping services, a restaurant, lounge, bar and business centre.
Karma House volun-tourism activities can include cleaning and maintaining a school or mosque, building a shelter for a bus stop, planting olive trees, spending a day with the children at the Salt Deaf School, or visiting an orphanage.
Including these opportunities in incentive packages or team building events allows delegates to feel like they are giving something back to the local community, whether it is painting a school, planting a field of olive trees or building a home.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) also focuses on volun-tourism, with the development of eco trails for hiking, biking and visiting local people. The result has been a collection of campsites, nature reserves and hands-on activities that have become popular with visitors looking for a different tourism experience.
Eco tourism is another growing sector in Jordan with many visitors, travelling individually or in group delegations, keen to discover the natural beauty of Jordan while giving back to the local community. (See page 38 for more details)
From adrenalin-fuelled outdoor activities to the pampering spas of the Dead Sea, Jordan offers something for everyone making it easy to create an incentive itinerary guaranteed to suit all delegates, young and old.
