Declining bookings, visitor numbers plague Jordan's tourism sector

As the year draws to a close, Jordan faces significant challenges that have negatively impacted various vital sectors, notably tourism.

The industry is currently grappling with a crisis marked by declining hotel bookings and a sharp drop in incoming tourists, compounded by the loss of the holiday season in December.

Hussein Helalat, Deputy Chairman of Jordan Hotels Association, noted that tourism figures for January closely resemble those of the previous year, largely due to the war in Gaza that erupted on October 7.

Helalat revealed that hotel occupancy rates are alarmingly low, with Amman seeing rates below 30 percent, the Dead Sea at around 25 percent, and Petra at just 10 percent. He emphasized the difficult conditions plaguing the hotel and tourism sector, which has been struggling for 14 months and is unable to meet payroll obligations.

He stated that both the previous and current governments have been urged to support a sector that has become severely weakened. Hilalat highlighted that they have met with the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Lina Annab, multiple times, receiving promises of assistance.

Recently, the Social Security Corporation (SSC) has allowed installment payments for debts owed by the sector without interest, and the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ) has restructured loans for borrowers at the same interest rate.

Hilalat also mentioned that many experienced employees have been laid off due to the sector's financial constraints.

Despite the downturn, there is a glimmer of hope among travel agents, as cautious calm in some neighboring countries may stimulate tourism activity in Jordan’s tourist areas and archaeological sites.

The spokesperson for the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents (JSTA) acknowledged the significant stagnation in incoming tourism due to regional conflicts. He noted that the political situation, particularly in Syria, might slightly enhance tourism as the peak season for arrivals, especially around New Year's, has almost concluded.

The spokesperson emphasized that domestic tourism is expected to thrive, as local destinations like Aqaba and the Dead Sea remain the primary options for Jordanian tourists. He mentioned that the Dead Sea area is set to host a three-month carnival, which should boost internal tourism activity.

The tourism sector's crisis has led to the dismissal of experienced workers, prompting calls for government support and the exploration of new markets. Amidst these challenges and emerging hopes, the tourism sector in Jordan requires increased support and intensified efforts to regain its strength.

The critical question remains: "Can the upcoming seasons bring improvement?"