Under the patronage and in the presence of the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hijazeen, Orange Jordan announced the winners of the “Digital Solutions in the Tourism Sector Hackathon for Persons with Disabilities,” coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 and originally launched in line with World Tourism Day. The initiative comes as part of the company’s efforts to drive innovation and enable persons with disabilities to fully participate in the tourism experience, under its umbrella campaign “Differently Abled, Definitely Enabled,” which aims to promote digital inclusion and empower all members of the community. The hackathon witnessed remarkable participation from university students, receiving 115 applications submitted, presenting innovative ideas and digital solutions aimed at supporting the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the tourism sector. Seven teams were selected to join an intensive training camp supervised by experts from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, along with a technology and IT specialist, and the Orange Jordan team, which delivered specialized training on the services offered by the Fabrication Lab and the Coding Academy of the Orange Digital Center. The training camp covered several key areas, including disability and inclusion, tourism and access to opportunities in Jordan, assistive technologies, as well as presentation and pitching skills. The program aimed to equip participants with the best tools and capabilities to develop innovative digital solutions that enhance inclusive tourism and address the challenges faced by persons with disabilities. The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hijazeen, affirmed the importance of leveraging digital solutions to enhance inclusive tourism and enable persons with disabilities to enjoy a fully integrated tourism experience. He noted that innovation is a fundamental pillar in developing the tourism sector, especially when it contributes to improving services in a way that meets the needs of all segments of society. Dr. Hijazin also added that supporting youth and creative ideas helps generate practical, applicable solutions that strengthen the sector’s competitiveness and advance the path of sustainable tourism development in Jordan. The CEO of Orange Jordan, Eng. Philippe Mansour, emphasized that the hackathon marks a unique intersection between World Tourism Day and the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusive innovation. He added that through the Accessibility Program, which focuses on awareness, accessible digital services, a diverse workplace, and strong community partnerships, Orange Jordan is turning accessibility from principle into tangible impact. By promoting digital solutions in the tourism sector, the initiative sends a clear message that inclusive tourism is essential, empowering people with disabilities, removing barriers, and ensuring that everyone can experience Jordan’s heritage, culture, and natural beauty. At the conclusion of the hackathon, Orange Jordan announced the winners of the top three positions, with Through Everyone's Eyes taking first place, Jordan 360 securing second place, and Heritage that can be Touched, Heard, and Seen achieving third place. This recognition honors the innovative digital solutions presented by these teams, which demonstrated a deep understanding of the needs of persons with disabilities and the ability to leverage technology to provide more inclusive and high-quality tourism experiences in Jordan.
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