Tourism
From The Report: Jordan 2012
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Tourism is a crucial element of the economy, accounting for 14% of GDP in 2010. Petra remains the country’s major tourist attraction, with 459,629 visitors to the site in the first nine months of 2011. However, the tourist industry was hit hard by regional unrest in early 2011, and many joint package trips to Jordan and neighbouring countries were cancelled. Economic woes in parts of Europe have also contributed to a drop in visitors. Nevertheless, there are some signs of recovery and efforts continue to develop the sector, which benefits from the diversity of the country and the wide range of tourism products on offer in a relatively small area.
This chapter includes an interview with Nayef Al Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Good things in small packages: Benefitting from a diverse offering, the sector is displaying signs of recovery amidst a difficult regional backdrop
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A crucial element of the economy, tourism receipts accounted for 14% of Jordan’s GDP in 2010. Despite a downturn in 2011, there are signs of recovery and initiatives are moving forward to develop the sector, which already offers a wide range of tourism products. Major projects under way include the development of the Dead Sea area and several large-scale real estate ventures in the resort town of Aqaba, one of which will add 17 km of additional coastline through the construction of man-made…

Interview

OBG talks to Nayef Al Fayez, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities
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Interview: Nayef Al Fayez What factors caused the decline in tourism revenues in 2011? What steps are being taken to promote growth in the sector in 2012? NAYEF AL FAYEZ: Several factors contributed to the decline in tourism. Arrivals from Europe and North America have seen a significant drop largely due to the global financial crisis, and many of these countries are still suffering from an economic setback. Another major factor has been the Arab Spring, which has had a direct impact on nearby…

Analysis

Nature abounds: Ecotourism is one of the most promising growth niches
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With natural attractions such as the Dead Sea, where low elevation and mineral-rich water create a singular environment; the majestic Wadi Rum; and the world’s most northerly coral reef at Aqaba, which is home to over 1000 marine species, Jordan has plenty to offer nature-minded visitors. Additionally, the country has several other protected habitats that host numerous endangered species and offer a variety of environments in a comparatively small space, giving visitors a range of eco-experiences…

Analysis

Striking a balance: Developing the Dead Sea while keeping a close eye on environmental and ecological concerns
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The Dead Sea is one of the kingdom’s best-known attractions and has the country’s highest hotel occupancy rates, thanks in part to the area’s limited hospitality offerings. To fully capitalise on the area’s vast potential, an ambitious long term plan to develop the coast – while protecting its ecological diversity and fragility – is now in place, with an initial focus on domestic tourism. Although a major challenge to the long-term success of this project is the continuing shrinkage…