Amman: Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) and the South African Embassy in Jordan held discussions on Sunday to explore expanding tourism cooperation, with a particular focus on faith tourism. The meeting aimed at attracting more South African visitors to the Kingdom.
According to Jordan News Agency, JITOA Chairman Nabih Riyal and South African Ambassador to Jordan Tselane Mokuena explored ways to develop joint tourist programs and routes. The discussions emphasized opportunities in faith tourism, noting Jordan's religious and historical sites and the sector's potential to draw more visitors from South Africa.
During the session, Riyal advocated for enhanced cooperation with the South African Embassy and relevant authorities to create joint initiatives and programs. This collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for inbound tourism and strengthen Jordan's presence in the South African market.
Ambassador Mokuena expressed a keen interest in strengthening ties with the association and supporting efforts to develop tourist connections between the two countries, especially in the realm of faith tourism. This initiative aims to boost tourist exchanges and broaden cooperation between the tourism sectors of both nations.
The JITOA highlighted opportunities linked to the year 2030, which will commemorate 2,000 years since key events in Christian history. The association believes this occasion could provide a global platform to promote faith tourism and Christian pilgrimage, considering Jordan's religious significance and its connections to biblical sites.
Both parties underscored the importance of using this milestone to position Jordan as a prominent faith-tourism destination and to bolster ties with markets interested in this niche, particularly South Africa. Future steps include the possibility of organizing roadshows in major South African cities to promote Jordan's travel and religious attractions and to explore cooperation with tour operators and travel agencies.