A very well attended meeting last month at the Sheraton Hotel, Amman reviewed the plans of the Jordan Tourism Board, Royal Jordanian Airlines and Aqaba Special Economic Zone and the Private Sector.
The meeting was presided over by Dr. Alia Bouran, Minister for Tourism and Antiquities and HE Akel Biltagi, Special Adviser on Tourism to His Majesty King Abdullah II.
Jordan adopted a National Tourism Strategy during 2004, which resulted in the strengthening of the capacity and capability of the JTB, an enhanced role for the Private Sector and increased funding from Government that has led to an extension of marketing activities.
Results have begun to flow from these collaborative efforts with hotel occupancy rising from 51.6% to 68.6% year on year.
The industry is now involved in a public private partnership with Government, and is planning for future growth supported by new investment.
Tourism arrivals to Jordan in 2004 grew by 7.1% and a further substantial increase is expected in 2005.
Tourism represents 8% of Jordan’s GDP and contributes 23% of its foreign earnings.
The strategy targets to double Jordan’s tourism economy between 2004 and 2010 and all elements are now working to achieve this.
|