AMMAN — Deputy Chairman of the
Jordan Hotel Association (JHA), Hussein Hilalat, confirmed that Israel’s war on Gaza has
significantly and negatively affected the tourism sector, especially hotels, in
Jordan, Khaberni reported.
اضافة اعلان
Hilalat explained that since the
start of the war, incoming tourism has witnessed a sharp decline, with hotel
occupancy rates dropping drastically. Some hotel establishments in certain
areas of the kingdom have completely closed their doors and ceased operations.
In a message to the world, Hilalat
emphasized that despite the
war in Gaza, the current situation in Jordan
remains stable, asserting that Jordan is a safe and attractive tourist
destination.
Hilalat highlighted the need for all
stakeholders in the tourism sector to provide additional clarifications to
travel and tourism agencies worldwide regarding the security and tourism
conditions in Jordan. He believed that such clarifications would have a
positive impact in instilling confidence and contributing to the revitalization
of tourism activities.
He also revealed that joint tourism
programs have been directly and significantly affected by the events in Gaza,
leading to the
cancellation of many reservations and the postponement of
trips. In this scenario, Hilalat
stressed the importance of communicating with international agents and clients
to provide reassuring explanations about the stability of the tourism situation
in Jordan, affirming the continuation of Jordan's tourism programs, emphasizing
their safety and stability.
Regarding challenges in the hotel
sector, Hilalat proposed clear suggestions concerning current licenses for
hotel facilities in
Amman Municipality, the municipalities and tourism
ministries, and the Tourism Promotion Authority. He addressed operational cost
challenges such as rising electricity, energy, and water costs, as well as
taxes, financial obligations, and installments on hotel facilities, which are
significant pressures on the entire
tourism sector. Furthermore, he emphasized
that all relevant authorities should consider these issues to find solutions
that could rescue those working in the tourism sector.
Hilalat stressed the urgency of
implementing measures, such as postponing monthly installments due on hotel
facilities, given the current inability to remit them to banks promptly. He
also called for a reconsideration of interest rates accrued on loans, focusing
on reducing them as much as possible during this period and providing support
to the sector by offering
low-interest loans in collaboration with the central
bank.
Hilalat recommended comprehensive
solutions, including tax and fee reductions, exempting hotels from licensing
fees, and reducing operating costs. He urged attracting new tourist markets to
compensate for losses resulting from recent events. He also suggested
reinstating the service charge to 10% to preserve those working in the sector
and advocated for the deferral and flexible reconsideration of monthly
installments due on hotel facilities.
To preserve job opportunities,
Hilalat called for an increase in the percentage of foreign labor in the hotel
sector. He concluded by affirming that, under the leadership of His Majesty
King Abdullah and with the support of the HRH Crown Prince Hussein bin
Abdullah, Jordan takes pride in playing a significant role in supporting the
resilience of the people in Palestine, especially in Gaza.
The JHA and its employees stand
firmly behind the Hashemite leadership, particularly His
Majesty King Abdullah,
emphasizing absolute support for his steadfast and resolute positions regarding
the Palestinian cause, highlighting the unwavering commitment to these
positions.
He emphasized that all Jordanians
express their solidarity with the people of Gaza in the face of Israeli
aggression and injustice. Jordan will remain a strong support and an
impregnable barrier that will not disappoint the people in "wounded" Palestine.
This sentiment is reflected in the tourism sector, which is committed to the
values of solidarity and support for our beloved people in Palestine.
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