With growing interest in Jordan’s eco-tourism offering, most of the Kingdom’s inbound tour operators are now tapping into and including new experiences and themes in their itineraries, usually through operating mixed tour programmes.

 

To that end, Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Associations (JITOA) recently organised a two-day familiarisation (FAM) trip for its active members to visit the first eco-lodge in Wadi Feynan, which is owned by Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) and operated by EcoHotels.

 

“FAM trips are a chance to highlight new tourism trends to our members, and give them the opportunity to explore new destinations in order to stay up to date about the tourist sites and activities of the Kingdom,” remarked CEO, JITOA, Nizar Al Adarbeh.

 

A group of JITOA tour operators’ staff were hosted at the Feynan Ecolodge, in the heart of the mountainous of Dana Biosphere Reserve. The lodge integrates conservation and socio-economic development while promoting the importance of the natural environment. The place is said to be the first eco-friendly hotel in Jordan and the most developed eco-experience in the Kingdom.

 

“This site is a promising and ideal location for including more activities in tourism programmes,” continued Al Adarbeh.

 

“It has great potential in involving other relevant trends, as Voluntourism activities and other socio-cultural activities serve the local communities and at the same time help improve the quality and variety of programmes offered to tourists.”

 

26 rooms completely solar powered and by night the lodge is lit by candles made on site by Bedouin women, serving both a romantic and an environmentally-friendly function. There are standard, superior and deluxe rooms to suit the travellers’ tastes and budgets. In addition to spacious terraces, an open dining area, library lounge, meeting facilities, panoramic rooftop terrace and many more.

 

The group enjoyed a one-night stay at the lodge, where they were introduced to the area and the various activities offered to tourists at the natural site, highlighting the relation between the lodge and the benefits that it provides to the local community. Also, they got the chance to experience the generous hospitality and seamless natural beauty of the place.