Jordan Times
Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Arab tourists account
for majority of visitors in 2005
By Dalya Dajani
AMMAN — A visiting media delegation from Qatar
was briefed Monday on the country’s tourism sector and other developments in the
industry.
In his meeting with the delegation yesterday, Minister of Tourism and
Antiquities Munir Nassar said Jordan was growing as a leading destination for
Arab and foreign visitors as a result of ongoing investments in the sector.
He cited particularly high numbers from Arab and Gulf countries as leading the
influx of visitors to the country.
According to Tourism Ministry figures, Arab visitors topped the list of tourist
arrivals last year, constituting 62 per cent of overall arrivals.
Tourist traffic generated JD1.022 billion in revenues in 2005,with overall
tourist arrivals rising by 4.1 per cent last year — 5.817 million visitors
compared to 5.587 million in 2004.
Nassar said Jordan held unique advantages for establishing successful tourism
projects given its safe and secure environment, updated modern infrastructure
and year round pleasant climate.
He said both the ministry and the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB) were working
together to build on these advantages in marketing the country abroad.
The Qatari delegation, hosted by the JTB, was also briefed on the National
Tourism Strategy, designed to boost tourism and revenues.
Nassar said Jordan was working to develop its capacity as a meeting point for
Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) as part of the
strategy.
The MICE industry was cited in the National Tourism Strategy as integral to the
existing services provided by the traditional tourism sector. Jordanian tourism
and education authorities were in Doha earlier this week as part of a joint
mission to promote the country as a destination for higher education.
The 12-day mission, led by the JTB, targeted six Gulf cities including Muscat,
Dubai, Manama, Jeddah and Riyadh.
The campaign, which is being undertaken jointly with the ministries of tourism
and higher education and scientific research, is the first partnerships of its
kind to promote educational tourism in Jordan.
Representatives from the country’s private and public universities and the
tourism sector met with families and adolescents to give them an idea of the
higher education sector in Jordan.