Khaberni - The Tourism Media Forum discussed during a specialized dialogue session yesterday the reality of domestic tourism in the Kingdom, with the presence of a group of experts, media professionals, and representatives of the tourism sector, affirming the importance of continuing joint efforts to enhance this vital sector in light of regional and international challenges.
At the beginning of the session, His Excellency Shurahbil Madi emphasized the necessity of continuing internal tourism activation programs during the summer season, especially in light of some tourism sites being affected, stressing the importance of increasing government support for the Ministry of Tourism, Tourism Promotion Authority, and the authorities of Aqaba and Petra, until the return of the tourism movement to its previous levels. He also called for the preparation of an agenda for local, regional, and international events to attract visitors and enhance confidence in the Jordanian tourism product.
The expert in the affairs of tourist restaurants, Khaled Ayman, indicated that the rate of domestic tourism among citizens has registered high levels, reflecting an advanced awareness among Jordanians of the importance of visiting local touristic sites and supporting the national economy. He noted that the programs launched by the Ministry of Tourism have clearly contributed to stimulating internal tourism activity, alongside the prominent role of the private sector in offering encouraging prices and promotions that have increased attendance.
He added that maintaining this momentum requires preserving the level of support and development, expressing hope for an increase in domestic and foreign tourism flow in the upcoming period, while also praising the significant role played by Jordanian media, particularly Jordan Television and local newspapers, in supporting tourism promotion.
In turn, the hotel investment expert Firas Al-Bashir noted that the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Authority are appreciated, but the private sector, including hotels, resorts, and tourism companies, plays a central role in enhancing these efforts through promotion and attracting domestic tourism, pointing out that this sector bears a significant part of the repercussions of the decline in foreign tourism.
In this context, Hassan Madi, a member of the Jordanian Association of Restaurants and Hotels, said that the growth of domestic tourism has positively reflected on the performance of restaurants and tourist establishments, pointing out that the offers and packages provided by the sector have contributed to encouraging citizens to go out and experience domestic tourism. He added that the continued coordination between the public and private sectors is a fundamental factor in maintaining this momentum and achieving sustainability in tourism activity.
The journalist Ammar Al-Saqour from "Al Rai" newspaper confirmed that the high rate of domestic tourism reflects the advanced awareness of citizens about the importance of supporting local destinations and the national economy, pointing out that media have played a central role in highlighting the programs and initiatives that enhanced this orientation.
Journalist Laith Al-Assaf from the newspaper "Al Dustour" said that the Ministry of Tourism and the Tourism Promotion Authority, in cooperation with the private sector, have succeeded in activating domestic tourism, presenting a distinguished model of joint work that has contributed to achieving tangible positive results on the ground.
The forum concluded its proceedings by affirming that the high rate of domestic tourism represents a positive indicator of the citizen's awareness, reflecting the success of the policies and programs followed, which necessitates building on these achievements and enhancing them in the upcoming phase.
