Amidst the challenges that the tourism sector is facing, there periodically emerges those who choose to only see the empty half of the glass, disregarding the efforts made on the ground and overlooking the nature of the stage and its regional and international complexities.
Criticism arises every now and then directed at the Minister of Tourism, as every fruitful tree gets its fruit thrown. However, what caught my attention was the criticism regarding the Minister of Tourism circulated yesterday through the approach of a person neither specialized nor invested in tourism. The provocative information was fundamentally unhealthy, lacking an objective reading; hence, this article comes as a clarification from me as an investor in the tourism sector and an expert in its corners, and as a member of the Hotel Association and the Touristic Restaurants Association.
Tourism is naturally one of the sectors most affected by political and security crises, and this is not an excuse as some promote but a global truth recognized by all countries from Europe to the Middle East.
Indeed, wars in the region have had an impact, and regional tensions have increased, but this is not a local narrative but international reports issued by global tourism organizations. But the most important question is: What has the ministry done under these circumstances?
The answer is not "nothing" as it is claimed, but quite the contrary.
During the crisis, the Minister of Tourism was not in a position of justifying but in a position of continuous work without fatigue, coordinating with various components of the tourism sector and international partners, and these efforts have translated into clear governmental decisions that contributed to alleviating the crisis effects, especially in terms of supporting establishments and enabling them to continue.
And more importantly, there is a new support package soon to be announced aiming to rejuvenate the sector and bring momentum back to it, a step that confirms that the work has not stopped but is escalating.
And here I do not speak from the position of an employee or defending an official position, but as an investor in the tourism sector who lives its daily details and recognizes the scale of the challenges and efforts made by the minister and his team.
If there is anyone who has a right to direct criticism, it is me, the investor who puts his money and expertise in this sector, yet truth be told, the minister with his intense meetings and diligent follow-ups is putting forth significant effort under exceptional circumstances.
The minister has managed to balance the continuity of work and contain the repercussions of the crisis, and to maintain a level of satisfaction within the sector despite the difficulty of the equation.
The problem is not the criticism itself, as constructive criticism is necessary, but there is communication that exposes its intentions and there is a difference between those who want to climb in a populist way for a benefit, ignoring the broader context and sometimes minimizing national efforts, this type of narrative from those who are neither experienced nor invested does not serve the sector but contributes to breaking the paddles of work and sends negative messages at a time when we most need unity.
It is regrettable that such communication comes from those affiliated with Jordan, who are expected to be partners in national awareness not tools for conveying inaccurate impressions. If the words were from an external malicious source, the response would be harsh, but when it comes from within, the response becomes an obligation to clarify as a responsibility.
We stand with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hajazin, whether desired or not, because he carries the concern of the nation and works under exceptional circumstances requiring exceptional effort.
Tourism in Jordan is going through a difficult sick phase, but it has not died, and I assure you it is on its way to recovery, with continuous work and integration between the public and private sectors, we will soon see a true and significant revival in the upcoming phase.
The tourism sector does not need noise... but action.
