Khaberni - The boards of the Amman Chamber of Commerce and the Jordanian Incoming Tourism Association, during a joint meeting, discussed the main challenges facing the incoming tourism sector under the current regional circumstances, and ways to enhance cooperation and coordination between the two sides to address these challenges.
The meeting also reviewed opportunities for cooperation and partnership between the chamber and the association, and continuously monitoring and addressing the challenges.
Khalil Haj Tawfiq, president of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, stated that the current phase requires unifying efforts between the chamber, the association, and the tourism sector in general, and intensifying coordination with the relevant official bodies, and working as one team to face challenges, especially those related to the mental image of the global tourism markets, and enhancing Jordan's competitiveness as a safe and stable tourism destination.
He emphasized during the meeting, attended by the vice-presidents of the chamber, Nabil Al-Khatib and Bahjat Hamdan, the treasurer, Khattab Al-Banna, and the deputy secretary-general, Alaa Diraniya, the importance of the association’s participation in Arab and international conferences and events to promote Jordan as a tourist destination, given the importance of the tourism and services sectors to the national economy.
He mentioned the importance of working to establish a low-cost national carrier that contributes to reducing travel costs and facilitating access to the kingdom and opening new markets, and not stopping whenever any events occur in the region and the area, enhancing the attraction of foreign tourism.
He also referred to the possibility of cooperating in the chamber's initiatives in promoting Amman, including the "Visit Amman" project and the Amman Shopping Festival.
On the other hand, Nabih Riyal, president of the Jordanian Incoming Tourism Association, emphasized the importance of enhancing coordination between the public and private sectors to launch an organized national movement that corrects the mental image of Jordan as a safe tourist destination, alongside preparing support programs that help empower companies and maintain their sustainability.
He pointed out that the association seeks to raise the level of services and professional standards, develop human resources, and work on preparing a national agenda for tourism events, enhancing its role as a specialized reference in the sector.
He explained that the association currently operates under the Ministry of Social Development, requesting a study on its affiliation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and enhancing its involvement with the relevant bodies in drawing policies and promotional programs, providing an institutional umbrella that supports its work.
He highlighted the importance of studying the formation of a joint committee with the chamber, focusing on training and qualification programs.
For their part, members of the Amman Chamber of Commerce board present, emphasized the importance of the tourism sector in its various forms, the necessity of logistical and technical support for the association, enhancing cooperation in training and capacity building, considering signing a memorandum of understanding in this regard, alongside preparing a national tourist guide for classifications and standards, and enhancing cooperation in studies and research.
They also stressed the importance of forming a joint committee to unify efforts, monitor challenges, and develop clear action plans that contribute to supporting the sector.
In turn, the association’s delegation, including Vice President Awni Qawar, Treasurer Ayman Abdul Karim, association spokesman Nidal Bani Issa, and Secretary Yasar Malhas, with the attendance of the Executive Director Lama Al-Muhadin, confirmed that the sector faces increasing challenges, pointing out a set of challenges and proposals during the meeting for study, which contributes to supporting the sector and enhancing its ability to recover and grow.
