Edward Quan explores Petra Jordon, a city that was lost in history after 14 Century AD, and rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss traveller.
President’s Message
“Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you travelled.” – Mohammed
Before we descended into pandemic madness, I had recently returned from an adventure of a lifetime experiencing Israel and Jordon.
Middle East history is about conflict and its important to understand the people and their past to craft a travel story from this region of the world.
So I scheduled my travel itinerary to cross the Israel – Jordon border on October 26, 2019, the 25th anniversary of the peace treaty signed between both countries that ended the 1948 Arab-Israel War.
If not for a great travel story, perhaps a unique conversation starter at the bar one day.
My travel adventure began in Tel Aviv where I enjoyed the warm white sand beaches of the Mediterranean. With my waterfront hotel was just a two blocks from the Canadian Embassy, I always like to know where to go if necessary.
After exploring the Old City of Jaffa and Jerusalem City, plus getting lost in old-world markets, I was off to the border where I was able to speak briefly with a senior Jordanian military officer.
I asked him what was the biggest concern in his country? He told me that “fear of each other” was the greatest challenge today facing both countries, politically and economically.
Israel is the main gateway for international visitors entering Jordon and tourism is responsible for thousands of local jobs and economic activity.
Fear is something we all need to overcome as we exit the pandemic in the months ahead.
The best way to counter fear is through engagement and education and that is BCATW’s goal for 2021.
Webinar workshops on travel writing, photography to video, Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs) and travel editors are being schedule later this year. Basically, taking our BCATW symposium format online.
Stay tune for more details and stay safe,
Edward Quan
President, BCATW
Brian K Smith, BCATW Vice President
We are pleased to announce that Brian K Smith is our new BCATW Vice-President. An avid travel photographer and writer, Brian K Smith has been a member of BCATW for several years and you can read his profile here.
Membership Renewals
At the BCATW Annual General Meeting, it was decided to pause our membership renewals until summer as we prepare the education webinar schedule. Membership fess will be announced shortly along with our scheduled webinars which will include some exclusive membership events with DMO’s and travel editors for members only.
Read Bestway’s latest blog post
With travel restrictions around the world still in place, Bestway Tours & Safaris is helping inspire travellers’ next adventure for when the time is right. Take a read through Bestway’s most recent blog post for some 2021 or 2022 travel ideas.
Your top 5 Great Migration safari questions answered
“East Africa’s Great Migration has earned many titles over the years. The “world’s greatest wildlife spectacle”, the “greatest show on earth” and the “largest movement of animals on the planet” are just a few.
But what is this natural phenomenon, why has it earned a place on thousands of bucket lists and how can travellers experience it at its best? We answer your top questions in our latest blog post.”
Read more here.
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