The Rwanda Development Board (RDB), alongside representatives from the Ministry of Health, Private Sector/Chamber of Tourism, Rwanda Inter-Religious Council, and Embassy of Rwanda completed a week-long familiarisation trip to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
This initiative, organised by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan and the Jordan Tourism Board, aimed to enhance synergies in medical, wellness, and religious tourism, as well as foster education and business collaboration between the two nations.
The familiarisation trip, held from 25 June to 3 July 2024, sought to promote collaborative efforts in key tourism sectors between Rwanda and Jordan.
Key Highlights
• Strengthening Bilateral Relations: The trip underscored the collaboration between Rwanda and Jordan in tourism, highlighting the benefits for both countries. The Rwandan delegation explored Jordan’s renowned cultural and historical sites, including Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, and the Baptism Site of Jesus Christ.
• Promoting Medical and Wellness Tourism: Emphasis was placed on opportunities for mutual growth in medical and wellness tourism. The delegation participated in workshops and meetings with Jordanian counterparts to discuss best practices and potential partnerships. They met with the following institutions: Jordan Medical Association, Arab Medical Center, Royal Medical Center, The Specialty Hospital, and Istiklal Hospital.
• Religious Tourism: The trip showcased Jordan’s religious sites and experiences, encouraging pilgrimage tourism from Rwanda and Africa. The delegation visited significant sites such as the Baptism Site and the Greek Orthodox Church in Salt, and also met with Jordanian faith leaders, including Al Yaqoub, a Member of Parliament from Madaba, engaging in discussions on promoting religious tourism.
• Tourism and Hospitality: The delegation also participated in B2B meetings with tour operators and travel agents in Jordan. Additionally, they met with the Jordan Hotel Association and the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts to explore opportunities for collaboration in training industry professionals, among other engagements.
• Education and Media: The delegation engaged in discussions with Al-Ahliyya Amman University, German Jordanian University, King’s Academy, and the Jordan Media Institute to explore collaboration opportunities in education and media curriculum development. During the meetings, they agreed to initiate the process for MoUs with JMI, Jordan TV, German Jordanian University, and Al Ahliyya University. Media participants also visited Al Mamlakah TV, Jordan TV, and the Jordan Times during the trip.
“Just like Rwanda, Jordan’s tourism sector contributes a big deal to the country’s economy, making up 14.6 percent of the country’s GDP. Jordan is ready to share with Rwanda its strategies of working towards development,” noted the Jordanian Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Mustafa Queisi.
“Strengthening our bilateral relations with Jordan through this familiarisation trip has opened new avenues for growth in medical, wellness, and religious tourism. We are excited about the opportunities ahead,” said RDB Chief Tourism Officer, Michaella Rugwizangoga. (End)