The International National Trusts Organisation (INTO)

Booking is now open for INTO Jordan!

The INTO conference is hosted in partnership with Petra National Trust. We look forward to welcoming delegates to Amman, Jordan in December 2024.

Petra National Trust logo logo for the British Council

The INTO conference is hands-down the best investment I make in my own personal and professional development, and in finding new ideas for my National Trust.
- Natalie Bull, National Trust for Canada

More information

INTO Jordan will focus on:

  • Withstanding Change: Heritage resilience in challenging environments
  • Changemakers: Showcasing inspirational leadership and the INTO Heritage Leaders programme
  • Inclusive Heritage: How organisations are making cultural and natural heritage relevant and accessible to all

Full details of costs, keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops will be made available soon.

Conference Location: Le Royal Hotel, Amman, Jordan

Conference Dates: 2 – 5 December 
(An optional tour to Petra is available on 6 December)

Day 1: Monday 2 December

The conference starts with an evening welcome reception, so we advise all delegates to arrive on a flight landing no later than 12 noon. This will ensure there is time to pass through immigration and get to your hotel.

Day 2 & 3: Tuesday 3 & Wednesday 4 December

Two full days of conference at the Le Royal Hotel. Keynote speakers, panel discussions and workshops.

We are excited to confirm some of the keynotes and speakers we have lined up so far: 

  • Her Royal Highness Princess Dana of Jordan – President of the Board of Directors of Petra National Trust 
  • Hilary McGradyDirector General of the National Trust for England, Wales and Northern Ireland 
  • Dan Snow – Dan Snow is a British Canadian BAFTA winning history broadcaster and best-selling writer. His TV shows for the BBC, Discovery and History Channel have been watched all over the world. He founded History Hit, a digital history broadcaster which has a global audience of millions. He was part of the successful expedition to find Shackleton’s ship, Endurance in 2022.

We also have a wide variety of workshops and talks for you to attend over the first two days of the conference. This will include hearing from the INTO members participating in the Withstanding Change climate adaptation project, experts in the role of heritage in peace building and working in conflict zones, and inspirational leaders who will share their experience of advocating for unrepresented voices in the heritage sector. 

Both evenings are free for delegates to explore Amman, relax at their hotel and get to know other delegates.

Day 4: Thursday 5 December – Site visits

When booking onto the conference delegates can chose between the following. The visits will take place between approximately 9am-5pm.

  • A visit to the historical site of As-Salt, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to immerse yourself in the history and cultural heritage of Jordan. This site is approximately one hour from Le Royal Hotel. Transport and lunch provided.
  • A visit in 2 parts – firstly to the home of Petra National Trust at Bayt Yaish, Amman. Located only a short distance from the conference hotel, it is the first modern heritage preservation project by Petra National Trust. You will spend the other part of the day on a cultural tour of downtown Amman, including a visit to the citadel and time to explore the city for yourself. Transport and lunch provided.

Evening: Conference close – final speeches and dinner.

Day 5: Friday 6 December

There is an optional full day tour to Petra – UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most important tourism attraction in Jordan. The cost for this tour is not included in the conference fee. Petra is 260km from Amman. This is a full day tour – please be prepared to be out from early morning until the evening.

Conference Ticket Prices – INTO Members
Early Bird £275.00
Standard Ticket Price £295.00
Conference Ticket Prices – Non-Members
Early Bird £375.00
Standard Ticket Price £395.00

This includes:
• Welcome Reception Event on the first evening – drinks and small food provided
• Two full days of conference at Le Royal Hotel – lunch and drinks provided
• One day site visit – lunch and drinks provided
• Gala dinner to close the conference

Not included:
• Flights
• Hotel
• Personal Insurance
• Visa
• Transport between airport and hotel
• Breakfast or dinner, other than those listed above
• Optional visit to Petra

Once you have completed the booking form to attend the conference, we will be in touch with you regarding how to pay.

Booking form

Click here to submit your information
Name
What are your main reasons for coming to the conference?
Do you have any serious allergies or medical conditions you want to make us aware of? (if you tick yes to this, you consent to us requesting further information if we deem necessary)
Are you applying for a bursary? (This option is for INTO members only.)
We have limited funding available to support INTO members to attend the conference.
Site visits
Please tick ONE box to indicate which site visit you would prefer. The visit to As-Salt has limited numbers and will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own accommodation?

Yes. The conference will take place in the Le Royal Hotel in Amman and delegates will benefit from a preferential room rate, but you are welcome to choose your own accommodation.

You are welcome to chose your own accommodation in Amman, however we recommend staying at Le Royal Hotel if possible as this is where the conference is being held and it will be most convenient to you. Rates are approximately USD$ 100-120 depending on when you book.

Other Hotel Options close to Le Royal:

Grand Hyatt Amman  USD$ 150-200
Coral Tower Hotel  USD$ 70-100
Shams Alweibdeh Apartments USD$ 70-100
Razan Hotel  USD$ 40-50
Is food included?

You are invited to a welcome reception on the first night where drinks and small food will be available.

Lunches are included for the next three days (two days at conference venue and one day of site visit).

Breakfast is your own responsibility via your hotel.

For dinners, you will need to organise your own dinner at your hotel or in a local restaurant with the exception of the final night of the conference (Thursday 5th Dec) where dinner will be provided as part of the closing reception.

For anyone who books on the optional Petra tour, lunch will also be included in the price.

 

NEW - I’m concerned about safety and security. Is it safe to come?

Delivering a positive conference experience for delegates is a top priority for INTO and our conference partners – Petra National Trust and the British Council. Jordan is considered a safe and stable country and regularly welcomes visitors from all over the world. 

We understand that some delegates may have concerns about coming to the region, so we want to reassure you that we are monitoring the situation in the region closely, and look to UK government advice in our decision making and planning.

We will advise you of any important updates. As with all international travel, please refer to your own government’s travel advice and ensure you have adequate insurance to cover your trip.  

I have specific access needs, will these be accommodated?

All INTO conferences are as inclusive as possible. You will be asked about access needs as part of the registration process. If you have any specific access needs you would like to discuss, please get in touch with us.

Are there bursaries available for my place?

Applications for the bursary have now closed. We will contact you soon if you have already applied for one. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

 

Will I be able to see local sites in Jordan?

One day of the conference will introduce delegates to PNT’s work, with the option to choose from a number of site visits near Amman. The conference organisers will also coordinate an optional fourth day visit to Petra. This will come at an additional cost.

What is Jordanian culture like?

The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, with its rich tapestry of history and culture, is a destination that enchants visitors with its ancient wonders, natural beauty, and vibrant cities. Known for stability and moderation, Jordan seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, making it a unique choice for business or tourism experiences.

The capital city, Amman, is a lively metropolis where history meets contemporary life. Key attractions include the Jordan Museum, which showcases the Jordan’s heritage, and the Citadel. Up on a hill, the Citadel offers a window into Amman’s past and stunning views of the cityscape. Highlights of the Citadel include the Umayyad Palace complex, the Temple of Hercules, and the Byzantine Church.

Jordan’s cultural heritage is deeply rooted in hospitality and family values. The country’s religious diversity, with a majority Muslim population alongside Christian communities, adds to its rich cultural mosaic. Arabic, the official language, is spoken alongside English, which is commonly used in business and education.

The cuisine, a delightful blend of Middle Eastern flavours, and traditional music and dance, contribute to the country’s vibrant culture.

Jordan’s archaeological sites, like the majestic city of Petra and the Roman ruins of Jerash, are testaments to its historical significance. Offering a unique combination of tradition, religious harmony, and historical richness, Jordan extends a warm welcome to all its visitors.

Can I find out who the other delegates are that are attending?

INTO conferences are attended by people in leadership positions from our global heritage network. A delegate list will be circulated prior to the event.

Will there be a hybrid online option to join?

No, the conference will not be live streamed but keynote speakers and panel discussions will be recorded so that delegates, and those were are not able to attend, can watch them online after the conference has finished.

Do I need a visa? How does immigration work?

Jordan has different visa requirements for different nationalities.  

Some nationalities may purchase a visa on arrival at the airport, other nationalities are required to obtain it in advance. We recommend you obtain it in advance no matter what country you are coming from. This will make your experience when you arrive at the airport quicker and easier.  

Please find out how to apply for your visa using these links: 

MOI E Services – Ministry of Interior 

Do I need to visa to visit Jordan? | Tourist Jordan 

Depending your plans, you may also wish to consider an alternative options which is purchasing a Jordan Pass’ before you come. Once purchased, this includes your visa and gives you free entrance to many tourist sites, including Petra. Not all nationalities are eligible for the Jordan Pass, so please check. It must be purchased prior to arrival.  

If you require an Introductory letter to support your visa application, please contact Zeina Al Khashashneh of Petra National Trust on z.hasan@petranationaltrust.org 

What do I need to bring?

Jordan is not hot in December. The average daytime temperature in Jordan in December is 8-15 Celsius. The conference venue is also air-conditioned so make sure you pack warm clothing. We expect the conference to be smart-casual. For site visits, Petra and moving around Amman, please ensure you bring very comfortable clothing.

Nearer the time we will write to you to provide additional practical information about things like SIM cards, travel adapter plugs etc.

Inspiration

Meet one of our brilliant speakers, HRH Princess Dana Firas of Jordan:

Totally inspirational three days, a reminder of the global family we are part of as we tackle how to be relevant to all and issues of our time like Climate Action
- Dundee 2022 conference delegate

Want to know more about INTO conferences?

The INTO conference is at the heart of everything we do.

Born in the 1970s as the International Conference for National Trusts (ICNT), this brilliant event gathers people from across the globe to collaborate for the protection of cultural and natural heritage.

It is an opportunity for our network to meet and discuss collective goals and challenges. Each biennial conference is hosted by a member of our global family in partnership with INTO.

INTO conference statements

On cultural sustainability and climate change

Oliver Maurice talking to delegates at COP 18

Calling for global action to protect and promote tangible and intangible heritage

Then INTO Chairman Simon Molesworth introducing the Victoria Declaration at COP 18

On the implications for cultural sustainability of climate change

HE Mary Robinson addresses INTO Dublin 2009

On climate change