The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Qaisi on Saturday highlighted Jordan as a prime global destination, pointing to the vast range of unique and quality tourist offerings the Kingdom provides. The country’s rich history, favorable climate, security, and stability are just a few of the Kingdom’s many attractions, the minister said at the “A Year on Modernization” forum held on Dead Sea shores. During a session titled “Jordan as a Global Destination”, Qaisi noted the country is home to 15,000 registered archaeological sites, demanding concerted efforts for their preservation and restoration. With six sites on the World Heritage List and accolades such as Umm Qais being chosen among the world’s top 20 tourist villages, the Kingdom’s global recognition is undeniable. Qaisi emphasized tourism’s crucial role in the economy, contributing 14.6% to the GDP in 2023, employing over 57,000 individuals. Efforts are ongoing to expand the sector with initiatives like productive kitchens, the Ajloun cable car, and more spread across the Kingdom. Infrastructure, including two major airports, partnership with five budget airlines, charter flights, and electronic visa systems, has streamlined the tourists’ journey into the country. The past seven months saw a spike in tourism, with over 3.7 million tourists – a 51% surge from last year. Revenue from tourism during this period exceeded 3 billion dinars, marking a 50% increase from the previous year. On the promotional front, the Tourism Promotion Authority launched 449 marketing campaigns across 53 countries. The past seven months saw a significant 75% rise in tourist inflow via low-cost airlines, as a result of robust support for these airlines. Nayef Fayez, Chairman of the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, emphasized the Kingdom’s rich offerings for tourists, noting Aqaba’s visitor numbers increased by 108% this year. Hotel occupancies surged, with five-star hotels in Aqaba recording a 75% increase in the first half of this year. Abdul Hakim Hindi, Chairman of the Senate’s Tourism and Heritage Committee, praised the sector’s resilience despite challenges, attributing its success to a strong public-private partnership. Raja Gargour from the Royal Jordanian Commission for Film Industry mentioned the burgeoning film industry in Jordan, highlighting its potential in promoting tourism. Lastly, Duha Fayyad, head of the Jordan Trail Association, introduced the “Jordan Trail” – a unique experience allowing tourists to traverse Jordan on foot, providing economic opportunities for local communities. The collective insights of these leaders painted a promising picture for Jordan’s tourism industry, promising further growth and innovation in the future.

Source: Jordan News Agency