Amman, Nov. 17 (Petra) -- Experts and industry professionals have underscored the vital role of domestic tourism in ensuring the sustainability and resilience of Jordan’s tourism sector, particularly during periods of regional instability.

They stressed that domestic tourism plays a crucial role in compensating for fluctuations in international visitor numbers, helping to stabilize the economy and maintain the vitality of tourism-dependent sectors such as hospitality, transportation, and food services.

According to the experts, domestic tourism significantly contributes to local economic growth by driving consumer spending within the country. This not only supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in less developed regions, but also generates essential revenue for a wide range of tourism-related businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport operators.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, in collaboration with the Jordan Tourism Board, has spearheaded the " Urdunna Jannah" initiative, a program designed to promote domestic tourism.

The program has experienced substantial success, attracting over 288,000 participants in the first ten months of 2024. The initiative has mobilized 9,750 buses and 9,750 tour guides, with the active participation of 167 travel agencies, 108 restaurants, and 84 hotels and campsites across the country.

Ibrahim Kurdi, a tourism expert and Dean of the Faculty of Tourism and Hotel Management at the University of Jordan in Aqaba, emphasized that domestic tourism is increasingly crucial in offsetting declines in international tourist arrivals.

He highlighted that encouraging Jordanians to explore local destinations not only boosts spending within the country but also provides much-needed economic support to businesses in less touristy regions.

Kurdi also noted that domestic tourism has significant social benefits, helping to raise awareness about Jordan's cultural and historical heritage. He recommended further steps to promote this form of tourism, including offering tailored travel packages, improving tourism infrastructure, fostering private-sector collaboration, and organizing local events and festivals that appeal to families and children.

Dr. Nidal Mlu’ayn, another tourism expert, stressed the importance of strategic planning and coordinated efforts to enhance domestic tourism. He advocated for greater community involvement in tourism activities, such as promoting local products and supporting small businesses, including family-owned restaurants, which can contribute to economic growth and foster a deeper sense of national pride.

Hussein Hilalat, Deputy Chairman of the Jordan Hotels Association, echoed these sentiments, affirming that domestic tourism is a crucial stabilizing force for the tourism industry, especially during challenging global and regional economic conditions.

He praised the "Urdunna Jannah" program for its role in making tourism accessible to a broader segment of the population, with its affordable travel packages and discounts on accommodations and services.

Abdul Qader Ababneh, a professor in the Tourism and Travel Department at Yarmouk University, emphasized that domestic tourism is not only an economic driver but also an integral part of Jordan's cultural identity. He highlighted the success of the "Urdunna Jannah" program, which has contributed to the growth of local tourism businesses and supported small enterprises within communities.

Experts agreed that continuing to expand and support domestic tourism initiatives will be critical to ensuring the long-term resilience of Jordan’s tourism sector, particularly in the face of global uncertainties.

//Petra// WH

17/11/2024 12:47:32