Jordan Times
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
'Third-quarter figures
to give clearer picture of tourism sector growth'
By Dalya Dajani
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced
last week that renovation work on three historical buildings adjacent to Karak
Castle had been completed at the cost of JD150,000 (File photo)
AMMAN — The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is expected to have indicators
on the industry's performance for the summer season ready by the end of October.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Alia Hattough-Bouran told the media this
week that the third-quarter figures would give a clearer picture of the sector's
growth this year.
“The first half of this year showed a notable improvement in tourism, but the
real push is yet to be seen in the upcoming summer season figures,” said Bouran.
According to the minister, the diverse promotional and cultural activities
organised during the summer season had rejuvenated tourist life around the
country, injecting businesses with much needed life.
The Kingdom witnessed a steady flow of tourists this year, most of them visitors
from the Gulf escaping the sweltering heat in their countries.
According to Bouran, more than 60 per cent of visitors from Arab countries made
their way into the Kingdom overland.
This was all the more visible in the congested streets, packed with thousands of
cars belonging to vacationers from the Gulf.
The ministry's latest figures reveal that some 1.733 million Arab and Gulf
tourists visited the Kingdom in the first half of this year — an increase of 9.5
per cent compared to the same period in 2004.
Some observers believe the country could have done better and attracted even
more tourists as a result of unstable conditions in neighbouring vacation
destinations.
They said July's bomb attacks in the Egyptian resort of Sharm El Sheikh, and
earlier attacks in a Turkish beach resort, as well as the current political
instability in Lebanon could have diverted tourists to Jordan.
Bouran, however, objected to such assumptions, noting that the Kingdom's
promotional strategies were in line with the national strategy unveiled in
September last year.
“Our tourism promotional strategies have never been based on the crises or
misfortunes of other countries and they never will,” said Bouran.
“We work hard to promote this country in its own standing, regardless of what
goes on in other destinations,” she added.
She said the Kingdom's promotional strategies focused on attracting visitors by
developing its products, enhancing overseas marketing efforts and improving
infrastructure and the regulatory environment.
Bouran further indicated that while the Kingdom hoped to see more tourists in
the country, it was important to be ready to provide visitors with quality
services.
Although a small country with limited resources, Jordan is making sure that the
required tourist-related infrastructure, facilities, transportation and
accommodation are ready to absorb increasing tourist numbers.
Several new luxury hotels and beach resorts are currently under construction in
the country's leading vacation spots such as the Dead Sea and Aqaba.
The ministry is also undertaking various projects to upgrade services in the
Kingdom's historical and archaeological sites.
Around JD120 million has been allocated for these programmes, which began over
seven years ago and will be ongoing for the next two years.
According to the ministry, around JD10 million of the package has been spent so
far.
The Tourism Ministry has also made sure that there is a sufficient number of
tour guides at these sites by employing another 45 this year, bringing the total
number of tour guides under its supervision to 601.
The figures for the third quarter, currently being compiled, will be reviewed at
a retreat in Aqaba in around two month's time.