Khaberni - During a series of separate meetings, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Emad Hijazeen, discussed with the heads and members of the hotel associations, Hussein Hallolat, and restaurants, Issam Fakhruddin, and tourism and travel agents, Mahmoud Al-Khasawneh, the reality of the sector, its challenges, and mechanisms to enhance its capacity with various components to face these challenges.
With the attendance of Salem Al-Omari, the head of the Parliamentary Tourism and Antiquities Committee, and Mohammad Al-Majali, the Acting Secretary General of the ministry, Hijazeen confirmed the importance of establishing a joint work mechanism with the tourism associations to address the challenges facing the sector and to classify the extent of the damage for each category, alongside preparing a comprehensive work matrix to implement solutions in the short and long term, giving priority to the most affected tourist areas.
He pointed out the necessity of preparing a comprehensive evaluative study on the extent of the damage the sector has suffered due to the current regional circumstances, building policies based on accurate data, in addition to studying operational costs, exploring cost reduction which enhances competitiveness, targeting new tourist markets, and launching integrated promotional campaigns.
For his part, Deputy Al-Omari emphasized the importance of integrating efforts between the legislative and executive authorities and the private sector, noting that the House of Representatives will support any legislation or measures aimed at enhancing the sustainability of the tourism sector and stimulating investment in it, given its vital role in supporting the national economy and providing job opportunities.
In turn, the heads and members of the associations presented the major challenges facing the sector and offered practical suggestions for addressing them, assertively highlighting the importance of activating specialized committees to study the sector's priorities and develop feasible solutions, as well as enhancing electronic linking and unifying databases among concerned entities, contributing to improving planning efficiency and data-driven decision-making.
They affirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation and ongoing coordination with the ministry, continuing the dialogue and exchange of ideas, inventing initiatives that support tourism facilities in facing the current circumstances, and contributing to the development of tourism products and diversifying markets, ensuring the sustainability of the sector and raising Jordan's appeal as an outstanding tourist destination.
