Plan B Travel and Tourism was founded by Rana Abu Alhala, driven by a deep-seated passion for Jordan’s rich heritage, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. Growing up surrounded by the wonders of Jordan, from the awe-inspiring ruins of Petra to the serene waters of the Dead Sea, Rana saw an opportunity to redefine tourism in the country. The vision was clear: to create meaningful, authentic journeys that allow visitors to immerse themselves in Jordan’s essence while promoting sustainability and cultural preservation. Through Plan B, Rana has transformed her admiration for Jordan into a platform that bridges the gap between adventure and eco-conscious exploration.
The inspiration behind founding Plan B Tourism came from my lifelong passion for Jordan’s heritage, culture and natural beauty. I had always been fascinated by the landscapes, like the ancient ruins of Petra and the vast deserts of Wadi Rum. However, I felt that many tourists were missing the deeper, more authentic experiences that Jordan has to offer. My goal with Plan B was to curate meaningful journeys that could allow visitors to connect with the heart of this beautiful country.
What makes Plan B Tourism’s approach to adventure and eco-friendly tourism unique compared to other agencies in Jordan? Can you highlight any specific programs or practices that set this apart?
Our approach is unique because of the balance we strike between adventure and environmental responsibility. Unlike many agencies, Plan B integrates eco-conscious initiatives into every adventure we offer. Some of our offerings include a serene hiking programme of 9 days, delicious food-tasting tours in the country, a dip into the Red Sea or even an exhilarating cycling expedition! With the multiple packages we have to offer, we ensure minimal disruption to the ecosystem by working with local conservation groups. We’ve designed experiences like “Local Community and Hiking Experience”, where everything from waste management to resource use is carefully planned. It’s our way of making sure that our tourists enjoy Jordan’s beauty while actively contributing to its preservation.
Sustainable tourism is increasingly important in the global travel industry. How does Plan B Tourism ensure that its itineraries positively impact local communities, and what measures are taken to minimise the environmental footprint?
Sustainability is one of our core mantras at Plan B. We take a holistic approach and design our tours to provide direct benefits to local communities by partnering with local businesses, artisans and guides. For instance, we promote community-based tourism initiatives where travellers get a chance to engage with local families, learn about Jordan’s traditions and indulge in authentic meals of the country. We’ve also incorporated environmental practices like reducing plastic use and promoting responsible travel behaviours. Our itineraries are designed such that, to leave a positive impact on the economy and tread lightly on Jordan’s pristine environment.
Jordan is renowned for its cultural and historical significance. How do you balance promoting adventure tourism with the responsibility of preserving and showcasing Jordan’s cultural heritage?
Jordan’s cultural and historical significance is immense, and it’s something we take great pride in preserving through our tours. While adventure tourism is growing, it’s critical to us that we don’t lose sight of the importance of cultural heritage. We work closely with local historians and archaeologists so that the experiences we offer at places like Petra, Amman, the Dead Sea and many more, respect both their cultural value and historical context. By educating our travellers about the significance of these sites and how to interact with them responsibly, we want them to leave with a deeper appreciation and respect for Jordan’s rich history.
Plan B Tourism serves both domestic and international travellers. How do you customise itineraries to meet the diverse expectations of these different types of tourists?
One of our key strengths at Plan B is our ability to tailor experiences for every visitor around the globe. For international tourists, we focus on the highlights of Jordan, usually the iconic sites of the country but also with a mix of lesser-known gems, offering them a deeper, more authentic view of the country. For domestic travellers, we curate special experiences like hidden hiking trails or private retreats in nature, places that even Jordanians may not be aware of. We understand the diverse expectations of every traveller and pride ourselves on creating personalised, unforgettable journeys that cater to individual interests and needs.
With technology playing an ever-increasing role in travel, how is Plan B Tourism adopting new technological innovations to enhance customer experiences and improve operational efficiency?
Technology is a vital tool in enhancing both the experience of our visitors and the operational efficiency at Plan B. We’ve integrated cutting-edge digital platforms that allow our clients to customise their itineraries, book seamlessly and receive real-time updates. We use technology behind the scenes to streamline logistics, optimise routes and manage resources efficiently, all to make the entire travel process smooth and enjoyable from start to finish. Technology helps us deliver that personal touch, even on a large scale.
Conclusion
Rana Abu Alhala’s vision for Plan B Travel and Tourism is a testament to her dedication to Jordan’s natural beauty, cultural heritage, and sustainable development. Through its innovative programs, eco-conscious practices, and community-driven initiatives, Plan B sets a new standard for responsible tourism in Jordan. By offering tailored, impactful journeys, the agency invites travellers to experience the heart of Jordan in a way that is both adventurous and respectful.
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