Jordan targets special need travellers
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In an effort to cater to the needs of deaf and mute travellers from around the world, HE minister of tourism & antiquities, Nayef H Al Fayez recently hosted a graduation ceremony for tour guides and tourist police officers that have completed a sign language course, organized by the Jordan Tourism Board, in cooperation with the Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Club for the Deaf and Mute in Zarqa, and with the Jordan Applied University College for Hospitality and Tourism Education.
The sign language course is the first of its kind in the Arab world, and is considered
the first step from the Jordan Tourism Board. The Board also plans on producing a promotional film in sign language to promote Jordan as a destination that can cater
to the needs of these travellers.
Al Fayez emphasized the importance of the Board’s new direction, pointing to the significance of focusing on the human element of tourism. The importance of continued development and training for tour guides was also emphasized. Tourism
is considered as one of the most important industries that contribute to the national economy, and there is a vision to develop tourism not only as a product but as a communication tool with each visitor.
The minister elaborated that there is an interest in sign language, which is considered one of the most important languages in the world for there are very few countries that pay any attention to it, and therefore Jordan is able to attract that type of visitor. He said that the international tourism associations that deal with this kind of tourism are widespread and we will be working in partnership with them to bring in as many of these travelers.
Acting managing director of the Jordan Tourism Board, Dr Abed Al Razzaq Al Arabiyyat, said: “We have coordinated with the Prince Ali Bin Al Hussein Club for the deaf and mute to train 12 tour guides and 6 tourist police officers, so we can encourage and incentivize tour groups abroad and in Jordan with those special needs.”