Agreement signed to tap into tourism potential for Dead Sea, Maan communities

AMMAN — Recognising that tourism is a major driver in local economic growth, the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Jordan and Partners for Good (PfG) signed an agreement on Wednesday to create employment and income-generating opportunities for women, youth and Community Based Organisations (CBOs) in Jordanian communities.  

The project will be implemented in the Dead Sea area and in Maan, according to a PfG statement. 

It aims to create jobs and economic opportunities through establishing linkages between local community members and private sector actors, enhancing specific skills-based capacities within women and youth groups and assisting local communities in developing in-demand Jordanian products and services. By design, the project is aimed at addressing several UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), read the statement. 

In the Dead Sea area, PfG will focus on developing and enriching leisure opportunities, untapped tourism services and high-quality food production. This will involve conducting targeted trainings, mentorship and providing support to women, farmers and youth as well as creating linkages and partnerships within value hotel chains. 

 In Maan, PfG will create employment opportunities through revitalising desert tourism experiences, such as desert festivals, Jordanian heritage arts, food, services and sports, according to the statement.

The project will directly benefit 250 women and youth, and by extension over 1,500 individuals. Social impact activities organised in partnership with hotels will benefit another 500 households a year within the Dead Sea area. 

In order to engage directly with the wider local community in both areas, environmental and social impact solutions will be implemented to tackle food waste issues and encourage responsible tourism. 

In addition, festivals and cultural events with the involvement of small local businesses, heritage artists, musicians, crafts, food providers, media, filming industry, young talents and community based organisations will be planned in both locations. 

 “We are very excited to launch this project with PfG. This project lies at the very essence of the cooperation between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Jordan, as it is focused on empowering local communities to be more resilient while fostering long-term knowledge, skills and employment opportunities,” Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Jordan Barbara Joziasse said in the statement.

Waleed Al Tarawneh, President and CEO of Partners for Good, said: “This project is instrumental to the mission and vision of Partners for Good, where on the long term impact we aspire to create shared economic value in Jordanian local communities, enhancing integration between private sector businesses and communities and ultimately supporting local actors to create agile, business-oriented women and youth. These all are expected to spur positive, and most importantly, community-led change.”