‘Jordan Pass’ grants tourists entry to Kingdom’s attractions

AMMAN — The Tourism Ministry launched the unified entry ticket “Jordan Pass”, which enables tourists to visit various archaeological sites and museums in the Kingdom at a price of JD70 (around $99).

The ticket is aimed at encouraging tourists to visit several attractions in Jordan and easing their movement between the various locations, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Tourists who buy the ticket will also be encouraged to extend their stay in Jordan.

Tourism Minister Nayef Al Fayez said the ticket will save time and effort for tourists and facilitate their entry to Jordan’s various attractions.

The new ticket system will also enrich visitors’ experiences in Jordan, the minister said in a statement carried by Petra.

Jordan Tourism Board Managing Director Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat said the board will launch a campaign in foreign markets to promote the Jordan Pass and encourage visitors to buy it.

Earlier on Tuesday, during a visit to the Jordan Society of Travel and Tourism Agents, Nayef said the number of tourists coming to Jordan is on the rise, citing a 38 per cent increase in Arab visitors recorded in July.

A total of 422,254 tourists visited Jordan in July, registering a 20 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, including some 337,000 overnight visitors, 30 per cent higher than last July, the minister said in August.

The sector’s revenues in July stood at JD250.6 million, compared with JD196.6 million during the same month last year, according to the ministry’s figures based on information provided by the Central Bank of Jordan.

At a meeting with the press, Fayez said the sector is “moving in the right direction although some issues still remain”.

He cited the government-funded campaigns implemented by the JTB as a major move that contributed to a higher influx of tourists, in addition to cancelling entry visa fees for visitors who buy the unified ticket for 39 tourist sites.

The minister said the number of Arab-Israelis visiting Jordan and staying over three nights rose by 50 per cent due to decreasing visa fees from JD40 to JD10.

In addition to its rich ancient archaeological sites, Jordan is also home to holy Islamic and Christian sites and shrines that attract tourists from around the world.

In August, 2,676 tourists visited the tombs of the companions of Prophet Mohammad who died in Mutah Battle, Osama Tarawneh, supervisor of the Southern Mazar shrines said on Tuesday.

He said 844 tourists came from Arab countries, 832 Muslims came from foreign countries, and 1,000 visitors were from within Jordan, Petra reported.