Khaberni - The Jordanian Association of Travel and Tourism Agencies and Companies stated that in light of the widespread use of social media platforms, particularly Facebook, a concerning phenomenon has emerged involving unlicensed individuals and pages promoting and selling travel programs within and outside the kingdom, without possessing any legal status or official licensing from relevant authorities.
Bilal Robein, the spokesperson for the association, said these practices are a clear violation of tourism laws and the regulations governing the profession, posing a real danger to citizens, as many travelers fall victim to fake advertisements and misleading offers that lack the minimum standards of credibility and commitment.
Robein added, "Out of a commitment to protect the tourism sector, safeguard citizens' rights, and control the increasing violations on social media platforms, we call for the establishment of a permanent joint committee comprising:
• Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
• Ministry of Religious Affairs and Islamic Holy Sites
• Association of Travel and Tourism Agents
With the goal of addressing violations involving the promotion and sale of tourism, Hajj, and Umrah programs by unlicensed entities, especially on social media platforms.
According to Robein, this committee's tasks will include:
1. Electronic monitoring and tracking of violating advertisements and pages.
2. Direct coordination between relevant authorities to expedite control and enforcement measures.
3. Referring violators to the legal authorities concerned and taking deterrent measures against them.
4. Organizing joint awareness campaigns for citizens about the risks of dealing with unlicensed entities
Robein warned violators that according to the provisions of the tourism law amendment, "Whoever contravenes can be jailed from 6 months to 3 years or fined between 3000 dinars and 10,000 dinars, or both penalties together," and this includes anyone who conducts a tourism activity or offers tourism services without a license.
