Amman, August 19 (Petra) – His Majesty King Abdullah II’s meeting
with the Trip.com Group in Shanghai marks a key step toward expanding
Jordan’s tourism presence and unlocking growth in the Chinese market.

During the visit, the King called for drawing more Chinese tourists
by showcasing Jordan’s rich natural, historical, and cultural sites,
a move local industry leaders told Jordan News Agency (Petra) could
“significantly expand” Jordan’s footprint in the global travel
market.

Hussein Hilalat, Chair of the Jordan Hotel Association, noted that
tapping into the Chinese market requires upgrading local
infrastructure, offering Chinese-language services, and tailoring
hospitality offerings, such as Chinese cuisine options, to cultural
preferences.

He added that establishing direct flight routes and attracting
low-cost carriers are essential to lowering travel costs and boosting
competitiveness.

Mahmoud Khasawneh, President of the Jordan Society of Tourism and
Travel Agents, stated the importance of moving beyond traditional
itineraries. He called for tailored, multi-destination packages
encompassing Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Aqaba
to extend visitor stays and increase local spend.

He added that the priority now is to build on the royal visit by
partnering with Trip.com to launch targeted marketing campaigns that
turn interest into “direct bookings and measurable tourist arrivals.”

Ayman Omar, President of the Jordan Tour Guides Association,
presented plans to launch specialized training courses for
Chinese-speaking tour guides, in collaboration with Ministry of
Tourism and Antiquities, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority,
the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, and the Jordan
Tourism Board.

//Petra// HA