Marhaba, Jordan: pleased to meet you
Hello, Jordan!
I’m thrilled to be able to tell you that I’ll be traveling soon to the Hashemite Kingdom, thanks to an invitation from the Jordanian Tourism Board.
There will be general travel and family travel posts over on the Perceptive Travel blog, a guest post on prices for the World’s Cheapest Destinations blog, and I’ll explore and discuss Jordanian tourism’s social media marketing efforts here and in the Tourism Currents Facebook Page, on Twitter and at least one of our newsletters.
Most of you know that I’m not a huge fan of press trips and fam tours for my own travel, because I do have angst-y issues with whether one can maintain objectivity when all the goodies are provided.
With this invitation, I thought long and hard about it, and I’m going anyway.
Here’s why:
1) Chances are slim that I’d get there on my own anytime soon, and HELLO, are you kidding? The magnificent ruins at Petra, of course, but also urban buzz in Amman (I had no idea that there is a 6000 seat Roman amphitheater smack in the middle of town,) desert beauty in places like Wadi Rum contrasted with a lush pine forest and nature reserve, a resort atmosphere (heavy on the mud) at the Dead Sea, mosaics in Madaba….what an amazing opportunity.
2) The Middle East is a favorite region (I lived in Bahrain as a preteen, and even had my 12th birthday in Shiraz, Iran) but it is misunderstood by many. I’d like to help clear that up, and….
3) As with the Hawaii blogger press trip, I know that the Jordanian and Middle Eastern tourism industries are suffering from safety perceptions given the current situation in Egypt. They’re losing visitors. I’d love to dispel those concerns by visiting myself and telling you what I find.
More info when I have it. Passport is ready!
Disclosure: The Jordanian Tourism Board is providing my airfare, accommodation and entry fees. They have not told me what to write about, and the itinerary is still in flux. I am not traveling as part of a group.
Tags: blogger, CVB, destination marketing, DMO, fam tour, is it safe, Jordan, Middle East, press trip, tourism, tourist board, travel
February 7th, 2011 at 11:18 am
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sheila Scarborough, Jordan Tourism Board, As You Wish photo, michaelnazzal, ibrahim ayyad and others. ibrahim ayyad said: RT @SheilaS: OK, I can finally announce it – I'm heading to Jordan thanks to @VisitJordan ! Details on my blog: http://is.gd/R6rn2R [...]
February 7th, 2011 at 11:21 am
I’m sure it will be an amazing trip. The history alone is fascinating, not to mention being able to interact with people there.
Patsy Terrell´s last [post] ..Thoughts on Egypt
February 7th, 2011 at 11:31 am
Hi Patsy,
Well, there is such a history of hospitality there, I know they’ll take good care of me. I do wish I spoke Arabic; we took lessons as a family when we lived in Bahrain but that’s sure been awhile. Only thing I can still do from memory is count from one to ten.
February 7th, 2011 at 11:53 am
I look forward to your reports, Sheila!
February 7th, 2011 at 12:01 pm
Thanks, Kara. I might be up for a short guest post with a family travel angle for Vacation Gals, if y’all are interested.
February 7th, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Hi Sheila,
I would like to welcome you in Jordan. I am 100% sure that you will love it and will come back again and again and again. I have been to many places (and not because it’s my home country), I believe that Jordan is the best, safest and most friendly place to be as a tourist and as resident.
Wishing you a wonderful stay. Enjoy your trip, have a lot of fun and get the most and best out of it….
February 7th, 2011 at 1:51 pm
Thanks so much for the warm welcome to your country, Wesam. I know that it will be a wonderful trip.
February 7th, 2011 at 6:19 pm
Ohhh, Sheila, what a wonderful trip. Never got to Petra (darn those meetings I had to attend!), but loved Aqaba and Amman. The Jordanians were wonderful, the cities historic and cosmopolitan. Shopping was great. (not that you will buy anything-hah!) Much greener than Bahrain.
You’re going to have a SUPER time-be safe! na
February 8th, 2011 at 5:17 am
I am thrilled to read your post. As you said, Jordan and the Middle East are suffering from safety perceptions and your help is highly appreciated! I am glad you are coming and wish you a wonderful time in our lovely country!
Cheers..
February 8th, 2011 at 7:52 am
Hi NAReed,
Thanks so much for visiting and your insights. If you liked it, I’ll like it. We’ve been through a few countries together.
February 8th, 2011 at 8:49 am
Hi Rakan, Thanks so much for your welcoming comment.
I will say that I read through several news sites last night on the calls for reform in your country, and I’m keeping an eye on the political situation.
The issues are internal and should not affect me or other travelers, but I will take the precaution of registering with the American Embassy when I get there; just in case something happens, they need to know I’m in country. This is often recommended by the US State Department but is rarely necessary. This time, I’ll do it, to put my family’s mind at rest.
These are things that I will address in future blog posts, because people have already expressed concern and are asking me about them. Rather than always saying, “Oh, everything is fine!” I do want to present a balanced view.
The other thing I have consistently heard, however, is how hospitable and wonderful the Jordanian people are. I am truly looking forward to experiencing your country!
February 9th, 2011 at 10:20 am
Dear Sheila,
We would like to reassure you that you are in safe hands when you arrive in Jordan. Not only are the people hospitable, and the sites grand, but there are no safety concerns whatsoever. As you mentioned, the issues reported in the news are internal and have not affected our lives at all.
We have a few testimonials from visitors currently in Jordan, sharing their experience in visiting the sites:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNP_xIefyLs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkXViPTDPG8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vx3-ATSjhEE
We look forward to your visit
February 9th, 2011 at 5:43 pm
Hi, Tourism Board folks,
No worries, I do feel safe, but of course people here have expressed concern. When I told a few friends where I was going, one said, “Why there? Why now?” Others jokingly asked if I had been issued a bullet-proof vest and did I have plenty of life insurance (um, no, and yes I’m well insured.)
If I tell everyone that everything is great, it is all “unicorns and rainbows” and there is absolutely no cause for concern, they would not believe it and neither would I, so it is important for me to address safety concerns up front and right away. The political situation is somewhat fragile across the Middle East right now, things are happening VERY rapidly, and I would not be smart if I did not take a few precautions.
Don’t worry; I know that you are wonderful hosts and will take good care of me.
February 10th, 2011 at 1:34 am
Hi Sheila,
You have every right to express your opinion and try to ease the minds of those concerned. We would never try to sway your opinion, and would encourage a balanced view. You would be remiss not to do so. We merely wanted to put your family at ease, and you as well, and assure you that you are safe.
Jordan suffers from misconceptions about safety due to its location on the map in this turbulent region. However, we have always, and continue to, enjoy a safe environment and would never endanger citizens or visitors to the country.
We look forward to your trip and what you have to say about Jordan!
February 10th, 2011 at 10:13 pm
[...] reactions that I’ve been getting this week, when I tell people that I’m going to travel to Jordan in April as a guest of the Jordanian Tourism [...]