Amman, Sept. 16 (Petra) — A parliamentary delegation is exploring
new tourism markets and international destination-marketing practices
at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, one of France’s leading travel industry
trade shows.

The delegation from the Lower House Tourism and Antiquities
Committee, headed by MP Salem Omari, is attending the Sept. 15-17
exhibition, which brings together more than 32,000 tourism
professionals representing destinations, tour operators, travel
agencies and other industry businesses.

Omari said the committee is using the event to examine shifts in
global travel demand, destination management and tourism technology,
while engaging with tour operators and companies on opportunities to
expand Jordan’s presence in overseas markets.

He said Jordan needs to broaden its target markets and promote its
archaeological, religious, natural, medical and adventure tourism
offerings in a more integrated way to strengthen the sector’s
competitiveness.

Linking destinations through broader tourism itineraries could
encourage visitors to extend their stays and increase spending while
spreading the economic benefits of tourism to more local communities,
Omari added.

The delegation is also meeting Jordanian tourism businesses and
professional organizations participating in the exhibition to
identify challenges they face in reaching international markets.

Omari said the committee would follow up on those concerns with the
relevant authorities, noting that Parliament’s role extends beyond
legislation to oversight and engagement with tourism businesses and
investors.

He stressed the need for closer coordination among government
institutions, Parliament and the private sector to strengthen
tourism’s contribution to economic growth, employment and local
development.

Delegation members Yousef Rawadiyeh, Nabil Shishani, Najma Hawawsheh,
Jamal Qamoh and Hammoud Zawahreh also called for greater
diversification of tourism source markets, stronger international
promotion and continued improvements to services and infrastructure
at tourism and archaeological sites.

IFTM Top Resa brings together travel agencies, tour operators,
transport and accommodation companies, tourism destinations and
authorities, technology companies and specialized media.

According to figures published by the exhibition, this year’s event
features 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, with 16,725 business
meetings scheduled.

//Petra// RZ