Amman, July 28 (Petra) – The government introduced new measures
alongside previously approved initiatives to help tourism businesses
navigate the impact of regional developments and maintain operational
stability.

The government rolled out support packages to target key components
of the sector, including hotels, tourist establishments, travel
agencies, tour guides and other tourism-related professions and
activities.

The measures are part of a broader government strategy aimed at
strengthening the sector’s resilience, preserving jobs, ensuring the
sustainability of tourism businesses and maintaining the industry’s
readiness as a key contributor to the national economy.

Since the beginning of the year, the government has approved a series
of support measures, including financial facilities for tourism
establishments and covering interest on loans granted to the sector
to help businesses overcome current challenges and safeguard
employment.

Building on those efforts, the government recently announced an
additional package focused on supporting the Petra region, which
includes measures benefiting tour guides and several tourism-related
professions and activities.

President of the Jordan Hotels Association Hussein Hilalat said the
successive support packages reflect the government’s continued
commitment to addressing the challenges facing the tourism sector
amid regional circumstances.

He said the measures have enhanced the operational stability of
tourism establishments, eased financial burdens, protected employment
opportunities and helped preserve investments in the sector.

Hilalat added that the latest package dedicated to Petra represents a
significant step that responds to the needs of the region most
affected by the decline in tourism activity.

Combined with earlier initiatives, including subsidised financing and
government-covered loan interest, the new measures lay the groundwork
for a gradual recovery and strengthen the sector’s ability to regain
momentum and prepare for an increase in visitor numbers.

Bilal Rubin, spokesperson for the Association of Travel and Tourism
Agencies, said the government’s previous and newly announced measures
constitute an important support package that reflects an official
understanding of the challenges facing Jordan’s tourism industry as a
result of regional developments affecting travel and tourism.

He said the decisions ease financial pressures on tourism companies
and establishments, enabling them to continue operations, maintain
stability and protect thousands of jobs across the sector.

Head of the Tourist Guides Association Ayman Omar welcomed the
expansion of the subsidised loan programme for tour guides and the
increase in the value of the allocated deposit, with the government
covering loan interest.

He said the measures provide vital support for tour guides, enabling
them to continue practicing their profession despite recent
challenges while helping preserve the skilled workforce that
underpins Jordan’s tourism industry.

Omar added that including tour guides in the latest government
support package demonstrates a comprehensive approach to supporting
all segments of the tourism sector.

He said the measures will enhance guides’ professional stability,
help retain national expertise and strengthen the sector’s
preparedness for a recovery in tourism and a rise in visitor numbers.

//Petra// AK