FORGING TOURISM LINKS WITH JORDAN
by Nitzan Aviran - Director, Regional Econonic Development Center, MATI Beit Shean

The Regional Economic Development Center - MATI Beit Shean coordinated last week a tourism delegation from Jordan in order to examine the possibilities of Cross-border Tourism Cooperation between Northern Jordan and the Land of the Palms (Eretz Hatamar) in the Beit Shean Region.

Many partners participated in the 2 days visit: Mayor Yael Shaltieli, Mayor Pini Kabalo, a representative from Israel Foreign Ministry, David Fleshler from Cleveland, representatives from ECF (Economic Cooperation Foundation), Sagi Melamed from P2K, Businessmen from Israel that have interest in Israel-Jordanian Economic Cooperation in Beit Shean region and Eretz Hatamar tourism members.

In the visit, the Jordanian delegation was intoducted to Eretz Hatamar's leading sites such as: The National Park of Beit Shean, Gan Hashelosha National Park, Ganei Hoga (water park), Naharim Experience in Old Gesher and Mount Gilbbo'a. Our visitors were impressed and even surprised from Eretz Hatamar tourism wealth which is located so close to the border.

The purpose of the visit and the business relationship it create, is to offer tourist organizations a one day trip to our region as a part of the tourism packages in North Jordan and hopefully in the future to have joint tourism packages in which the tourists - jordanian, Israeli and other will spend more time in our region.

Tamuz 5761 - July 2001