In a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Al Queisi, revealed that the tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable resurgence, outpacing its previous accomplishments in 2019. Speaking at the 4th International Conference for French-Speaking Business Owners, held in the captivating Dead Sea region, Queisi declared tourism as a key driver of economic growth in the Kingdom, constituting a significant 13 percent of the GDP.
The conference, organized jointly by the Jordanian Businessmen Association and the French-Speaking Businessmen Group, witnessed the active participation of 200 esteemed individuals, including business leaders, investors, economic experts, and representatives from local, Arab, and international companies and institutions.
According to the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the Kingdom has already welcomed an astounding 1.957 million visitors during the first third of this year, marking a staggering 87.2 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
Queisi proudly emphasized that the tourism sector provides direct employment to 55,000 individuals, with an impressive 85 percent of them being Jordanian citizens. Additionally, he underscored the tremendous investment opportunities available in the tourism sector, particularly the pressing need for a surge in hotel room capacity. “Petra alone demands the construction of a thousand new hotel rooms,” he stated, highlighting the potential for lucrative ventures.
The revival of the tourism industry not only serves as a testament to Jordan’s remarkable attractions and rich heritage but also ignites optimism for a robust and prosperous future. With visitor numbers soaring and revenue reaching unprecedented levels, the nation stands poised to harness the full potential of its resurgent tourism sector, contributing to the overall economic advancement of the Kingdom.