Building Economic Sustainability through Tourism (BEST) Project Quarterly Report April – June 2016

The project, funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), focused on enhancing and promoting motorcycle tourism in Jordan. The Royal Motorcycle Club of Jordan (RMCJ) received grant support from USAID BEST to organize the 2016 Jordan Riders Rally, which took place from April 28 to 30, 2016. The event attracted 428 motorcycle riders from around the world, including participants from 23 countries. The rally route covered over 200 kilometers, taking riders through various scenic areas in Jordan, including the Dead Sea, Madaba, Mujib, and Wadi Hedan. The event provided an opportunity for riders to discover the beauty and diversity of Jordan, and it helped to promote the country as a safe and welcoming destination for motorcycle tourism. Compared to the 2015 Jordan Riders Rally, which attracted 300 participants, 2016 saw a doubling in international numbers, with 428 riders from 23 countries participating in the event. In addition to promoting motorcycle tourism, the BEST project also focused on targeting niche tourism markets, including the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE) market. Karma House Destination Management company, with support from USAID BEST, worked to change the negative misperception about travel to Jordan and target new potential markets. The company participated in international MICE events, such as the Incentive, Meetings and Events Exhibition (IMEX) in Frankfurt, and promoted Jordan to buyers from Latin America at Travel Week Brazil in Sao Paolo. The BEST project also worked closely with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities (MoTA) to develop the National Tourism Strategy (NTS). The project delivered information on baseline indicators for a number of related topics and supported MoTA in drafting some sections of the NTS. BEST also helped MoTA accelerate the implementation of the International Tourism Visitors Survey and finalized the strategic assessment for the establishment of a Tourism Research Center in Jordan. Several activities took place to improve processes, standards, and skills in the tourism sector. The Tourism Enterprises Start-up and Licensing Guidebook was developed by BEST to catalyze the start-up of new tourism enterprises and ease procedures for existing ones. The restaurants classification system was approved and will be launched across the country. A grant for the Jordan Restaurant Association will help build capacity of members, enhance standards, and improve communication with members. A grant to the Jordan Tour Guides Association aims to increase demand for Jordanian tour guides and develop a training program for tour guides. The BEST project has made significant progress in promoting Jordan as a safe and welcoming destination for tourists and in developing the tourism sector in Jordan. The project has helped to increase tourism revenues and has created new opportunities for the private sector to play a significant role in promoting Jordan as a tourist destination.