Jordan's Tourism Sector Shows Resilience Amidst Crisis, Contributes 14.6% to GDP

Strategic Insights -

As the war on Gaza continues, Jordan's tourism sector, though vulnerable, has proven flexible and resilient, said Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Makram Al Qaisi on Tuesday. The sector's contribution to the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 14.6 per cent in 2023, with 5.937 million people visiting Jordan and tourism income reaching JD4,894.1 billion since the beginning of the year. The tourism minister emphasized the importance of conservation and restoration work in major tourist destinations, citing the opportunity to focus on these projects due to the decline in visitors.

Key Takeaways:

  • The tourism sector's contribution to Jordan's GDP reached 14.6 per cent in 2023.
  • 5.937 million people visited Jordan since the beginning of 2023, with tourism income reaching JD4,894.1 billion.
  • A committee chaired by the tourism ministry's secretary-general has been formed to monitor the condition of the tourism industry and follow up on the impact of the current war on the tourism sector's financial status.
  • The committee includes representatives from the Tourism Ministry, Jordan Tourism Board, the Central Bank of Jordan, Association of Banks in Jordan, the Social Security Corporation, and the Employment and Development Fund.
  • The minister forecasted that if the number of visitors and bookings continues to decline by 60 per cent, losses would be near JD 180-JD 200 million each month.
  • The ministry is committed to stimulating the sector's investment environment and expanding into new markets, including the Chinese, Russian, and African markets.
  • Key strategic projects currently being worked on include the centre for the preservation of artifacts in Nuweiges, Bait Faleh Al Hamad in Salt, the tourist routes project, and the regional hub for conservation and restoration in Jarash.
  • There are over 300,000 artifacts stored in warehouses affiliated with the Department of Antiquities.
  • The share of tourism-related establishments that closed during the third quarter of 2023 includes 12 tourist offices and 21 restaurants, while 73 tourist offices and 96 restaurants have opened.

Statistics:

  • 5.937 million people visited Jordan since the beginning of 2023.
  • Tourism income reached JD4,894.1 billion since the beginning of 2023.
  • The tourism sector's contribution to Jordan's GDP reached 14.6 per cent in 2023.
  • The number of people employed in the tourism sector in the Kingdom is approximately 58,000.
  • If the number of visitors and bookings continues to decline by 60 per cent, losses would be near JD 180-JD 200 million each month.

Sources:

  • "Jordan Times" (Amman, Jordan)
  • www.jordantimes.com
  • Tribune Content Agency, LLC