AMON NEWS – Jordan is emerging as a popular tourist destination for Arab families, especially those from the Gulf region, thanks to its rich history, stunning natural scenery, safety and the hospitality of its people, according to tourism experts and industry players.
In statements to the Jordanian News Agency (Petra), the experts stressed Jordan’s continuous efforts towards strengthening its tourism sector and facilities to attract not only Arab but also foreign tourists. They noted that Jordan holds a special place in the hearts of tourists from the Gulf and Arab countries.
Experts say the family-friendly atmosphere is a key factor attracting Arab tourists to Jordan, especially Gulf families, who regularly visit the Kingdom to enjoy its comfortable environment.
He also stressed the importance of festivals and shopping tourism, which are major attractions for Arab tourists, and called for efforts to attract Arab travel agencies and provide tourism programs tailored to the needs of families, as well as a marketing strategy by the Tourism Promotion Authority focused on the Arab market.
They stressed that intra-Arab tourism brings significant economic benefits as Arab tourists tend to stay longer and spend more. It also strengthens cultural and social ties, enhances commercial and industrial cooperation, and promotes Arab unity on common issues.
Ibrahim Al Kurdi, a professor at the University of Jordan’s tourism department, noted that Gulf tourism is relatively unaffected by regional instability and is less susceptible to disruption than global tourism. As a result, Gulf tourism makes up for the decline in international tourists to Jordan during times of political unrest.
Al Kurdi called for intensifying marketing campaigns targeting Arab tourists and stressed the role of the private sector in promoting tourism. He also highlighted the need to improve air, land and sea transport policies, which are crucial for the tourism sector.
He explained that Gulf tourists are primarily seeking leisure and recreational activities and prefer destinations such as summer resorts, mountain hideaways and warm-climate cities. This preference has led Gulf tourists to flock to Amman, Ajloun and the surrounding areas, known for their warm climate, forests and greenery.
Al Kurdi added that providing the right services and facilities, such as hotels, furnished apartments, amusement parks, entertainment centers and shopping malls, is crucial to attracting tourists from Gulf countries.
To establish Jordan as a top tourist destination for Arab families, Hussein Hiralat, vice president of the Jordan Hotel Association, proposed several strategic initiatives, including targeted marketing campaigns on social media and television showcasing Jordan’s unique attractions, such as Petra, the Dead Sea, Wadi Rum, Aqaba and the northern regions.
Hirarat also stressed on providing affordable family packages including accommodation, transport, entertainment and educational activities. He stressed the need to improve tourism infrastructure such as hotels, resorts and entertainment facilities to ensure comfortable and safe travel between cities and tourist destinations. It is also important to set up entertainment centres, playgrounds and childcare services for children in hotels and resorts.
He stressed the importance of easing visa and residency procedures for Arab tourists and promoting the benefits of medical tourism in Jordan, such as mud and salt treatments from the Dead Sea and mineral water treatments from Ma’in Springs. Improving medical services and therapeutic resorts to meet the needs of tourists seeking treatment and relaxation is also crucial.
Hiralat called for organizing activities and events for families, such as desert tours, diving in the Red Sea and visiting museums and archaeological sites. Educational programs for children that teach fascinating lessons about Jordanian culture and history are essential, as are cultural and arts festivals that showcase Jordanian and Arab traditions, including music festivals, theater performances and art exhibitions. It is also important to involve families in cultural activities through workshops and interactive exhibitions.
He stressed the need to develop and promote ecotourism, attract tourists to lesser-known places with unique natural and historical beauty, such as the Dana Reserve, the Shaumari Reserve and the northern region, and improve infrastructure in these areas. It is also necessary to establish low-cost airlines and reduce ticket prices for Royal Jordanian Airlines to attract more tourists from the Gulf and Arab countries.
Mohammed Wahib, professor of heritage studies at Hashemite University’s Queen Rania College of Tourism and Heritage, said the current situation and past experience show that Arab markets are resilient to regional events, therefore making Arab tourism key to achieving economic development in the sector.
He added that routes such as the International Spice Route and its Jordan Station, the global Silk Road that passes through Jordan, as well as the creation of new products and local and regional tourism routes, are key to increasing Arab tourist numbers.
