Khaberni - The Parliamentary Tourism and Antiquities Committee, chaired by MP Salem Al-Omari, discussed on Wednesday the main challenges facing incoming tourism offices, in the presence of the chair of the Tourism and Heritage Committee in the Senate, Michel Nazzal, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Nancy Namrouqa, and Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Daifallah Al-Fayez, in addition to presidents and representatives of tourism associations and the tourism sector.
Al-Omari emphasized that the tourism sector is one of the key pillars of the national economy, which necessitates intensifying efforts to address the obstacles faced by its workforce, in order to enhance Jordan's tourism competitiveness and increase visitor numbers.
He pointed out the committee's commitment to tracking issues raised by those working in the sector and working to communicate them to the relevant authorities, ultimately seeking practical solutions that support the sustainability of tourism activities and the development of services provided, noting that the committee listened to various comments and demands raised by attendees and will follow up on them with the concerned parties.
For his part, Nazzal affirmed that the tourism sector is experiencing significant growth, noting that maintaining the sector's readiness and stability amid regional circumstances and addressing the rising costs of airplane insurance are among the most pressing challenges currently facing inbound tourism.
In turn, Namrouqa stressed the importance of the tourism sector as one of the main contributors to the national economy, noting that the ministry is working in coordination with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Tourism Promotion Authority to promote Jordan and open new tourism markets, in addition to dealing with challenges related to air travel and imposed restrictions.
She added that the ministry has enhanced its economic role within the vision of economic modernization through economic diplomacy, supporting growth engines related to tourism, investment, and high-tech industries, as well as promoting medical and wellness tourism through Jordanian diplomatic missions abroad.
In their contributions, MPs Yousef Al-Rawadieh and Ali Al-Ghazawi emphasized the need to support companies and offices working in inbound tourism and to alleviate the obstacles they face, thereby enhancing Jordan's position as a distinguished tourist destination regionally and internationally, highlighting the importance of a partnership between the public and private sectors in developing the sector.
Representatives of the tourism sector stressed the importance of intensifying promotional efforts for Jordan in targeted markets, enhancing coordination with tourism agencies and Jordanian embassies abroad, and simplifying procedures related to tourist entry.
They also called for supporting cruise tourism in Aqaba as a promising tourism route, asserting that regular cruise ship trips during tourism seasons contribute to increasing visitor numbers and diversifying tourism income sources.
