Restaurants face sales slump in Ramadan — ACI

AMMAN — Head of Tourism, Services and Restaurants Committee at the Amman Chamber of Industry (ACI) Raed Hamadah on Saturday said that dine-in orders for iftar and sahour meals have been “limited” since the beginning of Ramadan.

He said that the Kingdom’s restaurants are currently "grappling" with a downturn in sales, a “situation exacerbated by reduced consumer demand and a slump in tourism activity compared with previous months of Ramadan”, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported

Hamadah attributed the decline in restaurant activity to a significant shift in consumption patterns, driven by reduced purchasing power among citizens and the repercussions of the Israeli aggression against the Gaza Strip.

He added that restaurants have launched extensive offers on their meals and products in response to these challenges, aiming to stimulate the sector, boost sales, and meet their operational obligations.

Hamadah also anticipated a resurgence in restaurant activity during the second half of Ramadan, following the disbursement of workers’ salaries and amid intense competition from wide-ranging offers.

He also emphasised the crucial role of restaurants, tourist establishments and service sectors in bolstering the national economy and providing employment for the local workforce.

The ACI official also noted the "remarkable" progress these businesses have made in recent years, improving the quality of their products, services, and equipment, and attracting foreign investments that have enhanced value and increased competition.

He also stressed the need to ramp up marketing and promotional campaigns for Jordan’s tourist sites, particularly in Arab markets and the Gulf region, to draw more tourists and stimulate commercial activity across various economic and service sectors.