Tourism Minister: Jordan remains safe, welcoming destination amid regional tensions - Jordan News
Despite regional turmoil, Jordan remains secure, stable, and a welcoming tourist destination, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Lina Annab affirmed on Monday. اضافة اعلان Speaking during a meeting with tourism operators and stakeholders, Annab stressed that preserving Jordan's image as a safe destination requires unified efforts from all actors in the tourism sector. She emphasized the importance of full cooperation between public and private entities to address the challenges facing the industry. Annab announced the formation of a special operations room dedicated to the tourism sector. The unit, to include all tourism stakeholders and both official and private partners, aims to enhance coordination, streamline roles, and ensure operational continuity. The ministry, she added, is maintaining close coordination with partners to keep tourism flows steady and mitigate any negative impact from regional developments. It is also closely monitoring booking patterns and cancellations and is developing clear mechanisms to respond to potential shifts. She noted that, in cooperation with stakeholders, the ministry will launch integrated marketing campaigns to bolster tourism and tackle emerging challenges. These efforts will target new and traditional markets through specialized promotional initiatives that highlight the diversity of Jordan's tourism offerings. Annab added that domestic tourism support will be a parallel focus, alongside enhanced collaboration with international and regional tourism entities to sustain momentum and achieve sustainable development across the kingdom. In light of recent flight disruptions due to regional tensions, Annab said the ministry, in coordination with the Foreign Ministry and Royal Jordanian Airlines, is working to ensure the safe return of Jordanian citizens stranded at airports. Joint efforts are underway around the clock to organize repatriation flights and provide necessary assistance. She emphasized the need for effective communication and information-sharing across the sector to enable informed, data-driven decisions that enhance the sector's resilience. Annab also underlined the importance of delivering clear messages to the international community that reflect Jordan's stability and security. She called for the continuation of well-crafted promotional campaigns and the preparation of contingency plans to reinforce the kingdom's image as a safe and reliable destination.
Tourism sector representatives echoed the need for unity and collaboration at this critical juncture. They emphasized that addressing challenges requires genuine public-private partnership and expressed full readiness to support the ministry's efforts to keep Jordan among the region's and world's top tourist destinations.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
Central Bank: Interest Rates Remain Unchanged - Jordan News
The Open Market Operations Committee of the Central Bank of Jordan held its fourth meeting for the year 2025, during which it assessed local economic, monetary, and banking developments, as well as regional and international economic conditions and the potential impact of ongoing geopolitical tensions on the Jordanian economy. اضافة اعلان Based on its review, the committee decided to maintain the current interest rates on monetary policy instruments without any change. The committee emphasized the Central Bank's ongoing close monitoring of all developments and reaffirmed its commitment to applying monetary and banking policies and procedures that ensure monetary stability and the soundness of the banking sector, thereby supporting overall macroeconomic stability. Macroeconomic indicators reflected the strength and resilience of Jordan's economic and monetary performance. The Central Bank's foreign reserves stood at USD 22.8 billion at the end of May 2025, sufficient to cover 8.8 months of the Kingdom's imports of goods and services. Inflation rates were also contained, remaining close to 2% during the first five months of the year. Banking sector indicators also showed strength, with a solid capital base and high-quality investment portfolios. Total customer deposits rose by 6.8% year-on-year to reach JOD 47.3 billion by the end of April 2025. Credit facilities extended by banks also grew by 3.4% year-on-year, reaching approximately JOD 35.2 billion. The external sector showed positive developments as well. Total exports recorded a significant growth of 11.6% in the first quarter of 2025, reaching USD 3.3 billion. Tourism revenue rose by 15.7% in the first five months of the year, totaling USD 3.1 billion. Additionally, remittances from Jordanians abroad increased by 3.0% in the first four months, amounting to USD 1.2 billion.
Jordan News
a day ago
- Jordan News
To boost tourism growth, Jordan and Russia sign visa-free travel agreement - Jordan News
Jordan and Russia have officially joined the ranks of Georgia, the Philippines, and Palau in offering a thirty-day visa-free stay for travelers, a move designed to bolster tourism and foster stronger cultural ties worldwide. This new initiative allows citizens from these countries to explore each other's rich cultural heritage and historical landmarks without the hassle of obtaining a visa. By simplifying travel procedures, these nations aim to fuel tourism growth, enhance global connectivity, and promote deeper international understanding through easier access to their diverse destinations. اضافة اعلان In an exciting development for global tourism, Jordan and Russia have become the latest countries to join the growing list of nations offering thirty-day visa-free stays for travelers. This move, designed to encourage tourism and enhance cross-cultural exchanges, follows the example set by Georgia, the Philippines, and Palau. By removing visa barriers, these nations aim to open their doors to an influx of tourists, boosting their local economies and fostering stronger cultural ties worldwide. This new visa policy marks a significant step in simplifying travel for citizens of these countries, enabling them to explore one another's diverse cultures, rich history, and scenic landscapes without the need for complicated visa procedures. With this initiative, travelers from participating countries can now spend up to thirty days in Jordan, Russia, or any of the other listed nations, with the option to visit multiple times throughout the year, provided their total stay does not exceed ninety days annually. Jordan and Russia: Latest to Sign Visa-Free Agreements Jordan and Russia's decision to introduce the thirty-day visa-free stay builds upon their ongoing commitment to international tourism and bilateral cooperation. These countries have long been known for their fascinating history and vibrant culture, making them attractive destinations for travelers. Jordan, with its iconic Petra and the otherworldly Wadi Rum Desert, has been a top tourist destination in the Middle East, while Russia's magnificent cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg draw millions of visitors each year. The new visa-free agreement between Jordan and Russia was officially signed by both governments, marking the culmination of years of diplomatic work aimed at enhancing their relationship. Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin and his Jordanian counterpart have expressed their belief that the initiative will encourage greater cultural exchange and tourism between the two nations, benefiting not only tourists but also the hospitality, airline, and tour industries. A Boost to Global Tourism and Cultural Connections This latest move by Jordan and Russia joins a growing trend seen in other nations such as Georgia, the Philippines, and Palau, which have long been recognized for their forward-thinking visa policies aimed at making travel more accessible. By eliminating visa requirements for short stays, these countries are positioning themselves as global hubs for tourism, encouraging travelers to explore new cultures and share experiences. The introduction of visa-free stays helps countries achieve several key objectives: boosting tourism revenue, fostering international goodwill, and facilitating the flow of knowledge and culture across borders. As more countries adopt such policies, the global travel landscape will become more interconnected, providing tourists with new opportunities to explore a wide array of destinations while promoting mutual respect and understanding between nations. The Growing Trend of Visa-Free Travel Since the announcement of these new visa policies, countries across the world have started to embrace the concept of facilitating short-term, hassle-free travel. This trend is becoming more prominent as the tourism industry looks to recover from the disruptions caused by the global pandemic. Nations that previously had more rigid visa restrictions are now opening their doors to international travelers, promoting tourism as a means of economic growth and diplomatic engagement. For instance, Georgia, a country nestled between Europe and Asia, has long been a leader in offering simplified visa policies for travelers. The Philippines and Palau followed suit, offering visa-free stays for thirty days, making it easier for travelers from all over the world to explore their natural wonders. Now, with Jordan and Russia joining the ranks, this emerging policy shift signals a promising future for international tourism and cultural exploration. Tourism Benefits for Jordan and Russia Jordan and Russia stand to gain significantly from this new visa policy. In addition to the immediate economic benefits of increased tourism, the agreement fosters deeper cultural understanding between citizens of the participating countries. Russian tourists, for example, can now visit Jordan's historical sites, such as the ancient city of Petra and the stunning Dead Sea, without the need for a visa. Meanwhile, Jordanians can experience Russia's iconic landmarks like the Red Square in Moscow and the breathtaking Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. The visa-free policy also promotes business, with airlines and tour operators likely to benefit from the surge in tourism. Hotels, restaurants, and other service industries in both countries will also see an uptick in demand, creating new opportunities for local businesses. As the flow of international travelers increases, Jordan and Russia will become even more prominent on the world tourism map. Jordan and Russia: Unique Travel Destinations For those considering visiting Jordan and Russia, these countries offer a wealth of cultural and historical experiences. Jordan: From the ancient Nabataean city of Petra, carved into the pink sandstone cliffs, to the dramatic desert landscapes of Wadi Rum, Jordan is a dream destination for history buffs and adventure seekers alike. The country is also home to the famous Dead Sea, a natural wonder where visitors can float effortlessly in its mineral-rich waters. The bustling markets of Amman, the sacred Mount Nebo, and the rich Bedouin culture add further layers of charm to this Middle Eastern gem. Russia: In Russia, visitors can explore the cultural epicenters of Moscow and St. Petersburg, home to architectural marvels like St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, and the State Hermitage Museum. Russia's vast landscapes offer everything from the frozen beauty of Lake Baikal to the tropical landscapes of Sochi. The Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok, offers travelers an unforgettable journey across the world's largest country. Jordan and Russia have joined Georgia, the Philippines, and Palau in offering thirty-day visa-free stays, aiming to boost tourism and strengthen global cultural connections. This move simplifies travel and fosters international exchange. Conclusion Jordan and Russia's move to join the ranks of countries offering thirty-day visa-free travel is a significant step forward in promoting tourism and strengthening global cultural ties. By making travel more accessible, these nations are fostering greater international understanding and helping travelers experience the diverse and beautiful cultures of the world. With tourism on the rise, this policy shift is set to benefit not just the countries involved but also the entire global travel industry.
Jordan News
2 days ago
- Jordan News
Public Works: Central and Local Road Projects in Balqa Exceed 10 Million Jordanian Dinars - Jordan News
The Ministry of Public Works and Housing, represented by the Directorate of Public Works in Balqa Governorate, continues to implement a wide range of central and decentralized projects across the governorate's districts, with a total cost estimated at over 10 million Jordanian dinars. These projects include maintenance of main roads, construction of service and agricultural roads, as well as public safety and technical services, all within the allocations of the 2025 budget. اضافة اعلان According to the ministry's media spokesperson, Omar Muharameh, the leading projects include maintenance works on the Salt – Wadi Shueib and Mahes – Wadi Shueib roads, costing approximately 3.7 million dinars. These are part of a central tender executed by the Ministry's Roads Directorate aimed at improving infrastructure quality and enhancing safety on these vital corridors. Additional technical and executive updates during implementation have amounted to 810,000 dinars. Regarding traffic infrastructure improvements, Muharameh told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the ministry is executing a new service road along the Amman – Salt road extending to the Dabbabneh tunnel in both directions, costing 484,000 dinars. This aims to improve traffic flow and reduce pressure on the main road. He also pointed out that the ministry is working on a project to widen the access road and build new buildings and yards for cargo and passengers at the King Hussein Bridge, with a budget of 3.5 million dinars, in addition to illuminating Mada'i road at a cost of half a million dinars. The Balqa Public Works Directorate is also monitoring the implementation of decentralized budget projects exceeding 600,000 dinars, which include road maintenance, construction of agricultural roads, and service works in various areas of the governorate. In the maintenance sector, work is underway rehabilitating the road from Sakneh traffic signal to Karama in the Shouna Al-Janoubi district, with a cost exceeding 59,000 dinars. Another major maintenance project covers the road from the Jordan University Farm to Al-Wadi Al-Abyad in Deir Alla district, costing 222,000 dinars. Both projects involve milling the old asphalt layer, surface leveling, and re-paving. In terms of road safety, the directorate is implementing a project costing 30,000 dinars that includes installing concrete speed bumps and traffic management elements within Salt city center. The directorate has also launched a general maintenance services project in Salt city center for 10 months, costing about 70,000 dinars, to provide labor and machinery for daily maintenance works. Supporting the agricultural sector, the directorate is implementing a series of agricultural road projects in the areas of Rmimen, Soumya, Ayra, Allan, and Umm Al-Omad, with a total cost approaching 220,000 dinars. These projects aim to pave agricultural roads with a final asphalt layer, improving farmers' mobility and ease of access to their lands. Recently, the ministry announced the tender for a project to improve traffic movement and raise public safety standards on the Amman-Salt road, extending from Al-Awaisah complex to the start of the Dabbabneh tunnel over approximately 6 kilometers. The work includes creating side islands to organize entry and exit for commercial complexes without disrupting main traffic flow, with a budget close to half a million dinars. These efforts are part of the ministry's comprehensive plan to develop infrastructure across governorates, implementing royal directives calling for improved services and balanced development in various parts of the Kingdom. Muharameh affirmed the ministry's keenness to complete the governorate council projects before the end of the fiscal year, noting that the ministry has worked according to a plan supervised by the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Engineer Maher Abu Al-Samen, to ensure project preparation, approval, and tender documentation were ready before the new year, allowing tenders to be launched within the first month.
