Fax to Sabbah from Nakhla Travel

Nakhla Travel Dear Sabbah, I am writing concerning our recent group visit to Wadi Rum. Firstly let me say that the programme you arranged was very much appreciated and that the clients remarked  particularly on the warmth and friendliness of yourself and the other Beduin guides. There was, however, an incident which led to complaints from some of the clients. I must stress that I was not present myself, but the accounts of the clients are fairly consistent and lead me to be concerned. Apparently the group were sitting having lunch in the desert with their guide when the desert police or park rangers arrived. I am told that the vehicle drew to a halt so sharply in front of the group that sand was showered over their meal. The guards got out, speaking on two-way radios, and accosted the guide quite aggressively. At this stage the group still had no idea who these people were, as only Arabic was being spoken, and some of them were feeling very intimidated. It was only when the group were asked (politely and in English) for their own entrance tickets that they realised they were dealing with some sort of Rangers or Police, and not simply bandits! I realise that there may be some aspects of this that I have missed as I was not there myself, and that it was perhaps a minor incident blown out of proportion, but I can only pass on the feelings of our clients. As you know only too well, people are very timid at the moment about travel to the Middle East. Even those who do come tend to be somewhat nervous, and this incident, which happened just as they were beginning to feel relaxed, reflected badly upon Jordan in the eyes of some of the clients. Could you try to find out what it was that really happened ? And, if it seems appropriate, would it be possible to have a "quiet word" (rather than an official complaint) with the relevant people ? Or, if you think it better, I could write to them direct. Please let me know whatever you find out. Thanks in advance Yours sincerely Isabel Bleny Nakhla Travel