These new awards have been launched to celebrate how far countries and communities have come since the Amman Declaration on Peace Through Tourism was made in November 2000. The categories aim to showcase to the world that tourism, as a worldwide social and cultural phenomenon, is one of humanity's truly global activities that brings prosperity to all countries which, in turn, fosters peace.

The awards will focus on the region that the Peace and Resilience Summit is being hosted in, with the Middle East being given this unique first opportunity to promote their considerable progress of peace through tourism.

Peace Through Cultural Diversity

Respect of Sustainable Development and Ecological Balance

The Resilience Through Tourism Summit (RTTS) announced on 27th June 2018 the winners of the world’s first International Peace Through Tourism Awards; launched to highlight global tourism’s contribution to prosperity and peace. A total of 28 nominations were received from local businesses, destinations and NGOs with the following four winners being announced in a special ceremony at the Summit: 

Peace Through Community Livelihood Enhancement Award

Petra National Trust

Established in 1989, Petra National Trust (PNT) is a registered Jordanian nongovernmental organization and Jordan’s integral body in the conservation, preservation, and sustainable management of national cultural heritage – with a focus on the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Petra. It has successfully coordinated preservation projects and studies on such issues as the Nabataean hydrological systems, biodiversity, the geophysical stability of the Siq, and the unique Nabataean wall painting at Beidha. 

Jordan River Foundation

Jordan River Foundation (JRF) was established in 1995 by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah with the overall aim of empowering communities and promoting child safety. Starting with the Bani Hamida Weaving Project, it is now part of the Jordan River Designs Handicrafts Program (JRD); a socio-economic program for women to provide employment opportunities that enhance their livelihoods while developing their knowledge and skills in handicraft production and entrepreneurship.

Peace Through Cultural Diversity Award 

Jordan Trail Association

Recently chosen by National Geographic Traveller as one of the world’s best tourism destinations, the Jordan Trail Association has introduced the 52 villages it passes through to the benefits of tourism and provided much needed revenue and employment to local residents. This year resulted in 70,000 JD’s being spent directly on local community engagement

Peace Through Respect of Sustainable Development Award

Fenyan Ecolodge

Operated with minimal impact on the environment, Feynan Ecolodge offers guests unique and authentic experiences while contributing to the conservation of Dana Reserve and helping the impoverished local community through employment and micro business development.  In particular, all staff are from the local community with 50% of revenue benefitting the local residents and all electricity used by the Ecolodge is generated by photovoltaic panels.