TravelPulse Canada has covered tourism in Jordan extensively after Bruce and Marsha visited the country and quite frankly, fell in love with it and its people. As G Adventures’ annual GX Summit wrapped in India last week, it was especially exciting news that next year’s GX Event will be held in Jordan, promising what will surely be an impactful and immersive experience for all attendees.
TravelPulse Canada spoke with Omar Banihani, Marketing Director of the Jordan Tourism Board North America (JTBNA) about what the event will mean for the country renowned for its timeless attractions, from the ancient city of Petra to the sweeping desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
“Hosting the GX Summit offers a remarkable opportunity to showcase Jordan’s rich cultural heritage and commitment to meaningful, community-based tourism.
We are incredibly excited to welcome everyone to Jordan next year,” Banihani said. “Hosting the GX Summit is not only an honour but a chance for us to highlight Jordan’s beauty, heritage, and, most importantly, our people. We believe in creating meaningful travel experiences that connect visitors with local communities and showcase the authentic spirit of Jordan.”
Banihani emphasizes the GX Summit will shed light on the country’s deep commitment to sustainable tourism and community-driven initiatives. Since the launch of the Meaningful Travel Map of Jordan in 2018, the country has been a leader in developing experiences that benefit local communities, offering travelers the opportunity to engage with Jordanians in a way that enriches both the visitor and the host.
“GX has built a reputation for its world-class programming, and Jordan’s event will be no exception. Attendees can look forward to insightful speaker series featuring tourism thought leaders, immersive community engagement projects, live entertainment, and authentic Jordanian cuisine. As with past GX Summits, the event promises to be as educational as it is celebratory, with unforgettable parties and networking opportunities that bring together the who’s-who of the travel industry.”
Banihani expressed the importance of showcasing Jordan’s diverse tourism offerings through this event: “We’re committed to not only showing off Jordan’s must-see sites but also allowing visitors to experience our community-based tourism projects firsthand. It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to see how tourism positively impacts the destinations they visit and the people they meet.”
In partnership with Royal Jordanian Airlines, the official airline sponsor for the event, GX 2025 will make it easy for attendees to arrive from all international gateways. According to Karim Maklouf, COO of Royal Jordanian Airlines, the company is proud to be part of such a meaningful initiative.
“We take pride in bringing travellers to experience Jordan’s rich culture and beauty,” said Maklouf. “We’re excited to support this important event, which celebrates the positive impact travel can have on local communities.”
G Adventures, which will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, is widely regarded as a pioneer in responsible tourism. The company’s founder, Bruce Poon Tip, noted that Jordan’s vibrant cultural heritage and stunning landscapes have always captivated both travellers and tourism professionals alike.
“GX in Jordan will highlight some of the country’s incredible treasures while providing opportunities for attendees to learn, collaborate, and connect,” Poon Tip said. “This event is about more than just seeing Jordan’s sites — it’s about experiencing the communities that make Jordan special.”
Hosting the GX Summit is not just a testament to Jordan’s rich tourism offerings, but also a reflection of the country’s commitment to shaping the future of travel through community engagement and sustainability. Banihani says attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how community tourism benefits destinations, enhances the traveller experience, and helps local communities thrive.
“With Jordan as the stage, GX 2025 is set to be a must-attend event for those in the travel industry who are passionate about making a positive impact. As the world continues to recover from the challenges posed by recent global events, this summit will demonstrate how tourism can drive meaningful change, and how Jordan is leading the way.”
For more information on the GX Summit and to stay updated on event details, visit: https://gx.gadventures.com.