October 25, 2024
In a move to foster cultural exchange and strengthen the bonds between Jordan and Japan, Duha Fayyad, the President of the Jordan Trail Association, and Lana Al-Saqqa, a board member of the Jordan Trail Association, embarked on a visit to Ibaraki Prefecture and the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail from October 22 to October 25. Their visit follows the signing of a Friendship Agreement between the two trails on October 13 in Amman. The Friendship agreement kickstarts a year-long celebrations of the 70th anniversary on the establishment of diplomatic relations between Jordan and Japan due to take place in 2024 .
Fayyad and Al-Saqqa’s visit began with meetings with officials from the Ibaraki Prefectural office. The discussions revolved around the ways to take their collaboration forward, exploring opportunities for cultural exchange and tourism initiatives between Jordan and Japan. This meeting aimed to lay the groundwork for future cooperation, with a particular focus on promoting hiking and outdoor tourism.
Fayyad and Al-Saqqa also visited and hiked Hitachi-no-Kuni Trail where they got to experience the nature as well as the authentic hospitality of the local communities that they visited.
Their visit to Ibaraki will be followed by the attendance of the Tourism EXPO Japan, which is scheduled to be held in Osaka from October 23 to October 26. At this international expo, both the Jordan Trail and Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail are expected to co-promote their respective trails, showcasing the unique natural beauty, cultural heritage, and adventure opportunities each destination has to offer.
The President of the Jordan Trail Association, Duha Fayyad, expressed her enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This visit and partnership between the Jordan Trail and Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail represent a wonderful opportunity to strengthen the ties of friendship between our two nations. We look forward to sharing the beauty of our trails, encouraging cultural exchange, and inviting travelers to explore the wonders of Jordan.”
Lana Al-Saqqa, a board member of the Jordan Trail Association, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the potential for mutual growth in tourism. She remarked, “Japan has always been a sought-after destination for many travelers, and with our cooperation, we aim to introduce Jordan as an enticing option for Japanese tourists, offering them an unforgettable experience.”
The visit and collaboration between the Jordan Trail Association and the Hitachi-no-Kuni Long Trail not only promise to boost tourism and cultural exchange but also symbolize the growing friendship and cooperation between Jordan and Japan. As both nations continue to explore opportunities for cooperation in various sectors, their partnership in promoting hiking and outdoor tourism serves as a testament to the enduring bonds between them.
