Losses in the
Jordanian tourism industry reached alt="" itemprop="image" src="http://englishstatic.nuqudy.com/ArticleImages/Size1/JordanPetra.jpg" style="float: left; vertical-align: text-top; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; " title="" />Losses in the
Jordanian tourism industry reached $1 billion in 2011 according to Jordanian tourism minister Nayef Al-Fayez. He said that a number of major tourism facilities conducted layoffs amid a dramatic decrease in investments.
billion in 2011 according to Jordanian tourism minister Nayef Al-Fayez. He said that a number of major tourism facilities conducted layoffs amid a dramatic decrease in investments.
The current crisis is a direct result of the political instability across the region. The number of visitors fell sharply last year due to worsening security conditions. However, Al-Fayez said that the glass should be viewed as half full, as the sector is expected to recover in 2012. He is optimistic that the groundwork for a healthy tourism sector will be laid down this year.
In an interview, the minister revealed a number of measures being implemented to surmount the crisis, including updating the way historical sites are managed. The role of the private sector in managing these sites is also being redefined.
Al-Fayez stressed the need to develop a comprehensive program and work on improving the attractiveness of Jordanian tourism to foreigners, as well as to publicize the major events taking place in Jordan this year.
He asserted that security and stability are Jordan’s major assets and should be capitalized on. However, he admitted that hard work by his ministry and others, including the Ministry of the Interior, airline operators, and the media, are necessary to brighten Jordan’s image abroad and accentuate its tourism potential.
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