Itd be easy to mistake Jordan as a destination solely for religious groups, but Spice Magazine ventured to Jordan to find out why business events organisers are increasingly lured by this

remarkable destination. From its adventure-inspiring camel treks

through Wadi Rum to the architectural wonder of Petra and the worlds largest natural spa, the Dead Sea, Jordan is an ideal incentive destination for groups of all types.

Jordan Tourism Board offers a wealth of infor-mation on places to see and things to do while a variety of professional destination management com-panies (DMCs) are able to put organisers in contact with the best venues and suppliers for their groups.

Additionally, an equally wide variety of accom-modation options are available for groups includ-

ing boutique properties, international hotels and luxury resorts.

Groups can venture 400 metres below sea level to the Dead Sea where the black mud is believed to significantly enrich your wellbeing with a host of therapeutic minerals.

Properties such as the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar at the Dead Sea can accommodate a 600 guest cocktail function in the ballroom as easily as a 100 delegate (or smaller) meeting. Technologically for-ward and versatile spaces make this luxury destina-tion not only well placed at the Dead Sea (think short walk to a private beach), but functional too.

The Kempinskis Sacrament Ballroom is not just opulent, making it virtually self-themed, but offers a 600 person seating capacity and can be divided into two sections, making it perfect for

gala dinners, product launches and exhibitions. Additionally, the auditorium, with a seat-

ing capacity of about 180, means your keynote presentations or ceremonies can be easily organised and enjoyed with the large 6 x 8 metre screen and surround sound.

Petra, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, provides an unforgettable visual greeting as guests arrive and is a must on any conference or incen-tive itinerary.

Evening events are made spectacular as the iconic Treasury is illuminated by hundreds of candles.

Local hotels, such as the Petra Marriott, make it easier for groups to enjoy Petra. The hotel offers 99 spacious rooms and a remarkable event space overlooking the Petra Mountains.

InspIrIng Jordan

Above and below; The Petra Marriott overlooking the Petra Mountains.

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Ideal for small to medium sized groups, three meeting rooms are available for use. The largest, the Atagartis meeting room, suits a maximum capacity of 130.

Located only a short 10 minute drive to the entrance of Petra Valley, the hotel also organises a free shuttle service for guests.

For the adventurous and ecologically minded, Feynan Ecolodge offers a 26-room environmen-tally conscious lodge at the South-Western edge of the Dana Biosphere Reserve. This truly unique property is self-sufficient, generating most of its energy needs from the sun. Guests will immedi-ately be at ease after a full day as the lodge is lit only by candles and the night stars.

The multi-award winning ecolodge opened in 2005 and has a capacity for 60 people in the 26 en-suite rooms.

Feynan Ecolodges ethos is based on harmony with its local environment: it is completely solar-powered, employees are 100 per cent from the local communities around the Dana Biosphere Reserve, and the lodge generates revenue that helps protect endangered species and conserva-tion efforts.

Feynan serves a delicious, exclusively vegetarian menu and local Bedouins that are employed by Feynan are available as guides for guests to hike,

mountain bike, and discover the unique natural, historical and cultural elements of the surrounding areas and communities.

A truly unique experience, guests can interact with the community and gain a sense of making a difference. Candle making, cooking and other workshops can be organised on-site, which allow women in the community the opportunity to work to help support their families and showcase their art.

All candles at the lodge are made on-site and even the bread that is served fresh daily is baked by a local Bedouin woman who works from her tent, and has one client only: the lodge. She provides the main source of income for her family.

The size of the lodge makes it an ideal loca-tion for an exclusive hire so the incentive ex-perience can be completely customised to your group. Groups can experience candlelit dining under the stars, stargazing from the rooftop terrace, hiking, mountain biking, classes and much more.

An onsite meeting room, lounge, internal and external courtyards, rooftop terrace and outside seating areas offer plenty of space for activities.

A truly unique experience, guests can interact with the community and gain a sense of making a difference.

The Sacrament Ballroom at the Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.

Feynan Ecolodge offers a remarkable corporate social responsibility program for groups.

Luxury events by the Dead Sea at Kempinski Hotel Ishtar.

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