RSCN offers locals glimpse into Jordan’s natural marvels through tourism campaign

AMMAN — The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) has launched the campaign “Travel inside your country” to encourage sustainable ecological tourism, offering “reasonable prices and discounts” at most reserves and RSCN facilities.

“The wait is finally over,” the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) wrote on its official website. “All domestic tourism destinations are now open at full capacity for locals and expatriates residing in Jordan.”

The “Travel inside your country” campaign includes a 25-per-cent discount on all reserve visits and overnight facilities, which will contribute to enhancing Jordanians’ confidence in sustainable domestic tourism, according to a RSCN statement issued on Monday. 

RSCN Director General Yahya Khaled said that the promotion campaign aims at encouraging inbound tourism and sustaining the preservation of nature through ecological tourism at nature reserves. It also aims to increase the contribution of youth and women to the Kingdom’s economic growth through tourism programmes. 

Khaled added that one facet of the campaign is focused on raising awareness among Jordanians on the natural features of their country, the traditions of local communities and the key reserves of the Kingdom, as well as its landscapes and terrains. 

He further noted that the campaign targets Jordanians and residents across the country, in addition to tourism and travel companies and public, private and not-for-profit organisations.

Meanwhile, the JTB has reminded the public of the importance of continuing to practise phsycial distancing, and applying the recommendations and preventative measures outlined by the Ministry of Health.

With these instructions in mind, the society has heightened its hygiene measures and physical distancing enforcement, having prepared for dealing with any health concerns that may arise. 

“Most visitors have high sense of responsibility. All of them practise social distancing, feel comfortable and are satisfied with the reserve’s measures,” Ajloun Forest Reserve Manager Othman Tawalbeh told The Jordan Times on Saturday.

He noted that all facilities at the reserve are “constantly” cleaned and sterilised according to a detailed programme covering all safety and precautionary measures.

While visitors enjoy the reserve, proper security arrangements and safety protocols are implemented, in addition to enforcing rules regarding the wearing of face masks and gloves, he said.

“Reservations were fully booked at the reserve last week,” Tawalbeh said, noting that, even with the ongoing circumstances, guests remain “excited to experience new adventures, try out zip lining and explore the reserve”.

Nadin Salameh, head of the sales and marketing at the RSCN, pointed to statistics showing that more than two million Jordanians travelled abroad last year and spent over JD750 million on outbound tourism, compared with JD61 million spent on local tourism.  

Some studies have shown that Jordanians would spend more on local tourism if they find proper tourist products, she noted, adding that the RSCN has been working to develop such attractions.