Zikra Initiative-Exchange Tourism 17/7/2009

Zikra Initiative created a new model under the name exchange tourism, to bridge social gaps between inhabitants of cities and ethnic minorities residing in rural areas. For Zikra exchange denotes an equal relationship, and through exchange tourism activities, citizens interact and exchange resources and experiences. The result is bridging social gaps and shattering stereotypes on both sides, thus easing ethnic and social friction and leading to a harmonious peaceful society.

Trips to Ghor Al Mazra'a (Karak) generate income which is channeled into micro loans in the village, and also bring the problems of the area to the visitors attention, pushing them to come up with solutions. In the trips, city inhabitants are connected to their roots and history, as they learn traditional skills and crafts.

Exchange tourism replaces traditional core-periphery interaction such as philanthropy directed from rich to poor citizens- by highlighting both parties assets, and building capacity in rural areas which have traditionally been kept dependent.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• Exchange
• Tourism
• Dead
• Sea
• Karak
• Jordan
• Amman
• Valley
• Voluntourism
• volunteer
• Rabee
• Zureikat
• Zikra
• Initiative
• responsible
• development
• poverty
• pockets
• Ghor
• Mazra'a