São Paulo – Travel operators from Jordan, Egypt and Palestine are among the international exhibitors at the Fair of the Americas, in the travel sector, which ends on Friday (23rd) in Rio de Janeiro. The objective of participation in the fair is to promote their destinations among Brazilian travel agencies. The stands of these operators are attracting great attention," stated the director responsible for the Tourism Committee at the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce, Adel Auada.
According to him, the fair, which is organized by the Brazilian Travel Agency Association (Abav), is very successful due to the number of professionals, agents, operators and visitors it receives. "It is an enormous fair with four pavilions and with great news," he said.
The Jordanian stand, which covers an area of 25 square metres, is one of those attracting the greatest attention. Photography panels and Arab sweets are served at the Arab tent assembled by the representative of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Gisele Abrahao. Apart from her, another three travel operators from Jordan are also present: Karma House, La Beduina and Dakkak Tours.
"Many travel agents and the media in general are visiting us at the stand seeking further information about Jordan," said Gisele, who is also in the company of the Marketing director at JTB, Anwar Atalla. According to her, the presence of the director is going to help the Travel Council to understand and learn more about Brazilian customers.
According to Auada, Jordan is in the media due to Globo TV soap opera “Viver a Vida” (Living Life). "It is among the stands that receives most visitors," he said. Yesterday, soap opera actor Thiago Lacerda was at the stand and participated in a press conference. "It was excellent. He spoke about Jordan in a passionate way," said Gisele. Apart from speaking about the scenes shot there, the actor also spoke about the hospitality of the Jordanian people and about Arab cuisine. "He spoke very well about the places," added Gisele.
At the press conference, when Lacerda was asked about sites that must be visited in Jordan, he mentioned Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and Aqaba. According to Gisele, the actor said that it was not possible to mention just one place, as all are unforgettable.
In September, the representative of JTB was also at the Business Meeting of the Brazilian Association of Tourism Operators (Braztoa), in São Paulo, promoting the Arab country in Brazil. According to her, the next step is to promote the Jordan Travel Market event, a travel fair in Jordan, among Brazilian travel agents. "In recent years, over 30% of the companies of South America that participated were Brazilians," said Gisele.
According to JTB figures, last year, 7.1 million tourists landed in Jordan, which represented expansion of 8.8% over 2007. The Fair of the Americas has 1,000 exhibitors and should receive 27,000 professionals.
*Translated by Mark Ament
