RCI, the world’s largest timeshare exchange company and a part of Wyndham Worldwide (NYSE: WYN), has formed a strategic alliance with the Levant Heritage Resort to market and promote Jordan’s leading faith tourism timeshare development.
Developed by the Abu-Dhabi owned Global Management Group and located only 15 kilometres from the Dead Sea and half an hour’s drive from the capital Amman, the Levant Heritage Resort is aiming to become the Kingdom’s leading destination for religious tourists.
Geoff Ballotti, president and CEO of Group RCI stated, “As innovators in the timeshare industry, our new affiliation with Levant Heritage Resort not only adds a world-class resort to our global collection of nearly 4,000 upscale properties, but it also allows us to offer our members the chance to create a once-in-a-lifetime experiential travel experience. This new affiliation is in line with our plan to continually try and add resorts that excite and engage our members with sought- after vacation options in the most desirable locations.”
Situated near a number of prominent sites from the Holy Bible, the Levant Heritage Resort will include a 300 room resort and spa, with 75 units allocated as timeshare units. Residents and guests will also be able to enjoy the resort’s various restaurants and leisure facilities.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Arshad Hussain, RCI Business Development Director, commented on the potential that exists for faith tourism in the region:
“The promotion of Jordan’s rich and varied history has proven to be a huge draw for travellers looking for a richer, more spiritual vacation experience. The Levant Heritage Resort will help fill a niche in the market whereby visitors want to enjoy the amenities of a five-star resort and be situated next to some of the world’s most important religious sites.”
The location of the tombs and shrines of companions of the Prophet Muhammad have proved popular with Muslim tourists who have begun to explore Jordan’s historical treasures. Partly as a result of the country’s expanding religious tourism sector,
Jordan’s tourism revenues reached JD 1.03 billion (US$1.45 billion) in 2007, and the country is targeting revenues of JD1.3 to 1.7 billion (US$1.83 to US$2.4 billion) in 2010.
“Jordan is truly the Holy Land, and is the one country in the region to offer a one-stop location that can meet the needs of faith-based travellers. We’re delighted to be working with Group RCI to showcase the uniqueness of the Levant Heritage Resort across the globe,” commented Abdul Aziz Al-Laham, general manager, Levant Heritage Resort.
For additional information on the services offered to developers by Group RCI and how they can add potential value to leisure real estate projects, visit www.grouprci.com
About Levant Heritage
Established by Abdulaziz Al-Lahham and the UAE-based Global Management Group in 2005, Levant Heritage is an organization that caters to the growing demand for religious tourist developments in Jordan. With projects that include the construction of the Levant Heritage Resort and spa, tourism facilities located at the site of the Baptism, products from the Dead Sea as well as catering and sponsorship of annual religious celebrations, Levant Heritage is one of the premier providers of religious tourism activities and hospitality in Jordan. For additional information, visit www.LevantHeritage.com
Features news, stories, and insight regarding the $18 billion and 300 million traveler worldwide faith-based vacations, cruise, and hospitality market.
About Me
- kevinjwright
- Kevin J. Wright is one of the world's most recognized religious travel and hospitality authorities. He founded and served as President of the World Religious Travel Association, the leading organization dedicated to the 300 million traveler faith tourism industry. He also served as Chairman of the World Religious Travel Expo, drawing more than 30 countries from around the world. Wright has been interviewed by the CBS Early Show, TIME Magazine, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, National Public Radio (NPR), National Geographic, Forbes Traveler, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and dozens of other media outlets. He is the author of four travel guidebooks.
Faith-based Tourism
300 million travelers worldwide
