King Hussein Bin Talal Convention Centre
Hilton Hotel, Dead Sea, Jordan
About XperienceLocal
This year's event is dedicated to alternative tourism, shedding light on sustainable and authentic travel experiences led by the diverse, less-explored local communities of Jordan.
As we deviate away from mass tourism, we aspire to take responsible travellers and adventure seekers on a local quest to explore the path less trodden, embrace the unknown and support the cultural and natural heritage in rural areas. This approach will not only build unforgettable experiences for travellers but also create new economic opportunities for the local community.
Our aim is to foster a deeper appreciation for the positive impact of sustainable travel themes such as cultural, wellness, gastronomy and ecotourism, while also providing a platform for networking, knowledge exchange and collaboration among participants.
What to Expect
INSPIRING SPEAKERS
Listen to experts and real actors while they uncover and discuss successful tourism interventions, navigated challenges, innovative solutions and transformative insights.
WORKSHOPS
Join sessions led by experts who will guide you through effective marketing strategies and digital skills to develop your tourism offering, promote your destination and engage your visitors.
B2B MARKETPLACE
Discover diverse exhibits featuring sustainable and authentic travel experiences from all around Jordan that will inspire you to make a positive and lasting impact in your country.
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural heritage and natural landscape of Jordan through captivating experiences. Engage with passionate locals and embrace the diversity of their traditions.
STRATEGIC NETWORKING
Establish invaluable connections with like-minded individuals and key players in the travel industry to forge meaningful partnerships.
Agenda & Speakers
Registration (collect your badges) | Dead Sea Hall
10:00 – 10:30
Welcoming speeches
His Excellency the Minister of Tourism, Mr. Makram Mustafa A. Queisi
His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan, Mr. Harry Verweij
Shadi Atshan, General Director at Leaders International
10:30 – 11:00
Project Presentation
Curated Experiences – Developing Innovative and Diversified Touristic Products Across Jordan: results and impact
Hamzeh Shamaileh
Country Manager (Jordan), Leaders International
B2B marketplace Launch by His Excellency the Minister of Tourism Mr. Makram Mustafa A. Queisi
11:00 – 12:00
Panel Discussion
Impact Beyond the Beaten Path
Discussing the economic, social, and environmental impact of shifting from mass tourism to alternative, cultural-wellness-eco travel experiences.
H.E. Dr. Suleiman A.D. Farajat
Chief Commissioner, Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), Jordan
HE. Mr. Hamza HajHasan
Deputy Chief Commissioner, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Jordan
H.E. Dr. Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat
Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Jordan
Nedal Zahran
Business Development Director, Leaders International, BelgiumModerator
Omar Hazineh
Tourism Sector Lead, Deputy Head - Delivery Unit, Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), Jordan12:00 – 12:45
Talks and Presentations
Finding Value, Building Destinations: Challenges and Opportunities
Sharing inspiring case studies and successful projects from other destinations, where value and sustainability were created from the ground up. Presentations will spotlight the diverse opportunities and challenges that come with creating a new destination and attracting responsible travelers.
Jamal Eddine Idrissi
Chief Operating Officer (COO), Site of Marchicha Development Agency , Morocco
Duha Fayyad
President, Jordan Trail Association, Jordan
Alessandro Melillo
President at PRISM Impresa Sociale srl - EU Ecotours Project, Italy12:45 – 13:30
Lunch
13:30 – 14:30
Panel Discussion
Revolutionizing Tourism through Innovation, Tech & Artificial Intelligence
Exploring the role of innovation and emerging technologies in supporting sustainable tourism themes and shaping the traveller’s inspiration and experience.
Solomon Kassa
Founder of 1888EC and Triopia.Travel | Senior Tech Strategist | Author | TV Personality, Ethiopia
Peter Syme
Partner at Tourpreneur | Strategic Travel & Tourism Advisor | Digital Transformation | Podcast Host, United Kingdom
Ahmed Bastawy
Managing Director at IceAlex Business Incubator | Innovation Consultant and Venture Builder, Egypt
Theo van de Laar
Founder and Managing Director of Rosetta Reizen | Lecturer in Tourism and Sustainability at Breda University, NetherlandsModerator
Ziad Al Masri
Innovation and Business Development, Information and Communications Technology Association (Int@j), Jordan14:30 – 15:00
Talks and Presentations
Travel Marketing: From Interactive Storytelling to the Traveller Buying Journey
Whether you are marketing a destination or a tourism offering, these two experts will take you on an exciting journey to explore travellers’ behaviour and engagement online. Hannah will present how interactive storytelling can increase engagement on digital travel content, and Chris, will show you when, where and how to turn travel lookers into bookers.
Hannah Springett
Founder & CEO of Hlabs | Expert in Interactive Storytelling, United Kingdom
Chris Torres
CEO at Tourism Marketing Agency and Author of Lookers into Bookers, United Kingdom15:00 – 16:00
Panel Discussion
Women in Sustainable Tourism
Driving an interesting conversation on the role of women in advancing alternative tourism, whether by offering travel experiences that preserve cultural and natural heritage or venturing solo to less travelled remote areas.
Anna-Maria Innocenti
Promotion of Sustainable Tourism Project, GIZ Tunisia, Germany
Duha Fayyad
President, Jordan Trail Association, Jordan
Somaya Jamal Belqees
Solo Traveler | Nomad of Yemeni Origin | Podcaster and Social Media Influencer
Zeineb Farhat
Director of the Economic Interest Grouping La Poterie de Sejnane, TunisiaModerator:
Elizabeth Clark
Cultural Blogger and Business Development Specialist at Leaders International, Belgium16:00
Closing Remarks
11:00 – 18:00
B2B Marketplace
Other Agenda Highlights
Workshop
12:00 – 13:00 | Mount Nebo Hall |By Dina Zabaneh, Projects Manager, Leaders International
Training for tour operators on how to use the Curated Experiences ePortal:
- Find business, marketing and sustainable tourism courses.
- Use authentic photos to promote experiences to international travelers.
- Pick and choose different experiences to create new itineraries for travellers who are passionate about handicrafts, food making, music and dance, agriculture, bird watching, stargazing, adventure and wellness experiences
B2B Marketplace
11:00 – 18:00 | Raghadan Hall
Explore, connect and conduct business with local travel experiences and tour operators from Jordan.
Funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Jordan as part of the Curated Experiences Project, Travel Jordanian is your gateway to 85 immersive and responsible travel experiences from all corners of Jordan. Embrace eco-gastro-wellness-cultural journeys that we carefully selected and provided with financial and technical business support to thrive and expand.
Some of the local experience providers on Travel Jordanian will be attending to showcase their curated alternative offerings and build valuable connections. Join us in empowering sustainable tourism, supporting local communities and preserving cultural heritage.
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