Amman, July 27 (Petra) – The Cabinet approved on Monday an 11-measure
relief package worth JD5 million to support tourism businesses in
Petra and keep 1,600 jobs.

Developed after consultations between the Tourism Minister and local
business leaders last week, the package aims to relieve operational
costs and strengthen Petra’s status as an international tourism hub.

The government will subsidize workforce payrolls by covering 50% of
social-security-eligible wages for nearly 900 local tourism employees
and 35% for more than 500 staff members at international hotels in
the area through the end of 2026.

Additionally, 280 suspended employees will receive six months of wage
support to facilitate their return to work and restore their social
security coverage.

Financial relief features a one-year deferral of loan installments
for local tourism establishments, with the government covering
roughly JD2.27 million in accrued interest.

The Cabinet expanded a soft-loan program for tour guides nationwide
by increasing its deposit fund, with the state absorbing interest
charges.

To lower operating costs, the government authorized the rescheduling
of income tax, sales tax, water, and electricity bills for affected
establishments in Petra, offering complete waivers on interest and
penalties for one-year payment plans and a 50% waiver for two-year
plans. The Jordan Tourism Board was empowered to defer, split, or
waive subscription fees for local travel agencies without penalties.

To strengthen long-term resilience, the Cabinet allocated 10% of dues
collected from local cooperatives and operating companies at the
archaeological site to the Petra region’s Risk Management Fund. The
plan introduces targeted promotional campaigns to extend visitor
stays and expand reach across Arab and international markets.

The Cabinet also formed a committee to regulate new hotel licensing
in the region, ensuring future capacity aligns with actual market
demand.

//Petra// HA