Amman: Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Imad Hijazin met with representatives from the tourism sector to strategize on developing a comprehensive plan aimed at reviving tourism activity in Jordan. The meeting included key figures such as Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA) chief commissioner Fares Breizat, MP Zuhair Khushman, and other notable leaders from the tourism and travel sectors.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hijazin emphasized the need for practical solutions to stimulate the tourism sector and highlighted the importance of targeting priority markets. He proposed focusing on European and Gulf countries, linking them with diverse tourism offerings such as religious, conference, adventure, and sports tourism, while also attracting Asian communities to expand the sector's reach. Hijazin noted the gradual return of traditional markets due to low-cost and domestic flights and stressed the necessity of launching integrated packages that include travel agencies, hotels, transport firms, and airlines to attract group tours with competitive programs.
Hijazin also pointed out the need for clear pricing structures for packages that cover flights, transport, services, and marketing mechanisms. He added that the ministry, in coordination with the foreign ministry, was actively working to lift travel advisories against Jordan, which are linked to regional instability, and highlighted the critical role of Jordanian embassies in promoting the country's safety abroad.
Breizat mentioned a recent meeting with EU ambassadors to emphasize Jordan's safety as a travel destination and to advocate for the removal of travel advisories issued by some European countries. He underscored the importance of building trust with international partners and showcasing top Jordanian destinations like Petra, Wadi Rum, and Aqaba as attractive options for visitors.
Senator Michel Nazzal, head of the Senate's Tourism Committee, stressed the importance of robust public-private partnerships in overcoming the challenges facing the tourism sector. He advocated for unified visions and coordinated planning between ministries, government bodies, and the private sector. Nazzal also suggested organizing major events at key tourist sites to increase tourism flows, visitor numbers, and Jordan's competitiveness on both regional and international stages.
Abdelrazzaq Arabiyat, director-general of the Jordan Tourism Board, stated that the board continues global marketing campaigns to reach tourists directly through social media and international influencers. He noted that the resumption of low-cost flights by the end of the next month would further stimulate the tourism sector.
Tourism industry representatives presented practical proposals addressing priorities in tourism programs and target markets, with a particular focus on the European market. They called for developing products that align with market requirements to attract more visitors across different segments and praised the ministry's efforts to unify the vision and strengthen cooperation with the private sector. Participants urged the continuation of marketing campaigns and tourism packages to restore momentum in the tourism sector, which is a vital contributor to Jordan's national economy.