Sector leaders prepare plan to boost tourism

AMMAN — Tourism sector leaders plan to present a set of recommendations next week to Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour to boost the industry in the Kingdom.

Tourism Minister Nayef Al Fayez said the recommendations were proposed by representatives of the sector following several meetings and will be reviewed by the Cabinet for approval.

The proposals include reducing Petra entry fees for tourists who stay overnight in the rose-red city.

Another recommendation is to use Amman Civil Airport in Marka for charter flights that transport tourists to Jordan.

However, the recommendations, as Fayez told The Jordan Times, also require review and approval by other sectors with the authority over certain issues such as the finance ministry.

The suggested measures are part of efforts to encourage more foreign tourists to visit the Kingdom and promote the country as a safe destination, the minister said.

The number of Arab tourists has not been affected by the regional turmoil, Fayez noted, but the number of visitors to archaeological sites has dropped recently and those who visit these sites are mostly non-Arabs.

Thus, the ministry, in cooperation with the Jordan Tourism Board and travel agents in Jordan and abroad, is launching a campaign to attract more visitors from Europe and other foreign countries.

Fayez added that the campaign seeks to change the misperception that Jordan has been affected by the regional turmoil.

Next week, the sector is hosting several journalists and bloggers from the countries where the number of visitors to Jordan has dropped to give them a firsthand look at the Kingdom’s stability.

Earlier this week, His Majesty King Abdullah stressed the important role of the tourism sector in the country and its significant contribution to sustainable growth and job creation. 

At a meeting with sector representatives and investors, the King highlighted Jordan’s edge as “an oasis of peace and security” and the need to use available capabilities to enhance the Kingdom’s tourist attractions regionally and internationally.