Amman, May 26 (Petra) – Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Fadi Balawi, met with a delegation of Spanish journalists on Monday, during which he presented Jordan’s unique tourism opportunities and its rich diversity of sites and experiences.

Speaking at the ministry’s headquarters, Balawi said Jordan is home to archaeological and touristic treasures that span centuries, offering a wide variety of tourism experiences, including cultural, religious, ecological, and adventure tourism, making the kingdom a distinguished destination.

He underscored the significance of internationally recognized religious sites, such as the Baptism Site, officially endorsed by the Vatican; Mount Nebo with its deep historical and religious value; Mar Elias in northern Jordan; and Umm ar-Rasas, which features 14 churches seven of which were built during the Islamic era reflecting Jordan’s longstanding spirit of religious tolerance.

Balawi also spoke about the exceptional experiences offered by landmark sites like Petra and Wadi Rum, noting the Nabataeans’ advanced rock-carving skills and sophisticated water management systems, which contribute to a globally rare archaeological scene.

Jordan’s rich heritage, shaped by successive civilizations including Byzantine, Roman, and Hellenistic periods, is evident in sites like the Roman city of Jerash, the Roman amphitheater in downtown Amman, and Umm el-Jimal, recently added to the World Heritage Tentative List, he said.

Balawi emphasized Jordan’s political stability in a turbulent region, noting that the Kingdom has always pursued peace and has never been party to regional conflicts.

He added that Jordanian hospitality is a cornerstone of its appeal to visitors, reflecting the warmth and authenticity of its people. He highlighted the cultural proximity between Jordanian and Spanish cuisine as an added layer of cultural connection that enhances the travel experience and brings visitors closer to the spirit of the place.

Balawi noted the strong bilateral relations between Jordan and Spain in heritage preservation and knowledge exchange, adding that the number of Spanish tourists is steadily increasing. Efforts are underway to double those figures through strategic plans that include expanding direct and low-cost air connections.

Currently, Royal Jordanian operates four weekly flights between Madrid and Amman, in addition to a weekly flight from Barcelona. Ryanair also operates a weekly direct flight from Madrid to Amman through May 2025. These routes are part of national efforts to improve accessibility to Jordan’s tourist sites and increase arrivals from the Spanish market, he said.

Balawi also highlighted the success of the “Jordan: The Cradle of Christianity” exhibition at the Vatican in Rome, which focused on Christianity’s roots in Jordan and presented the Kingdom’s spiritual and historical significance to an international audience.

He pointed to ongoing efforts to open new tourism markets beyond traditional European and American ones, including expanding air links with China, as well as existing connections with Russia and India. He also stressed Jordan’s growing potential in meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) tourism, particularly in Aqaba, which offers ideal conditions for this sector.

Balawi took questions from the Spanish journalists and reiterated the ministry’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with international media to promote Jordan’s cultural image worldwide.

//Petra// AF
26/05/2025 20:32:27