AMMAN — On Monday, the Legislation and Opinion Bureau
published the draft Tourism Law 2024 which focuses on supporting inclusive
tourism and establishes a fund for the development and enhancement of the
tourism sector, Jo24 reported.
اضافة اعلان
The law defines
inclusive tourism as a form of tourism that ensures independent access for
people with disabilities, seniors, and children to tourist sites and locations,
allowing them to benefit from facilities, activities, and services provided.
The law also contributes to promoting domestic tourism by
organizing programs that prioritize inclusive tourism and local tourist
experiences. The provisions related to these programs will be regulated by
instructions issued by
Tourism Minister Nayef Fayez. In addition, the law
advocates for the implementation of green tourism practices, as outlined in the
draft.
Tourism routes
The new Tourism Law assigns the
Ministry of Tourism and
Antiquities (MoTA), in collaboration with all relevant authorities, to identify
sites and areas constituting tourist resources. It mandates the development of
a comprehensive implementation plan for their growth, study, and submission to
the Cabinet for approval. It also addresses the designation of state-owned
lands for the ministry's use, private lands intended for purchase or
expropriation, environmental protection, responsibilities and powers of relevant
authorities, obstacles, and proposed solutions.
Upon the minister's mandate, the Cabinet may establish
departments or entities for significant tourist sites, overseeing their
development, investment, and sustainability. These entities can regulate all
matters related to them, including granting legal status through a system
issued for this purpose. They also have the right, with the Cabinet's approval,
to borrow, and accept donations, gifts, and bequests from
non-Jordanian sources.
Additionally, upon the minister’s mandate, the Cabinet may
declare any tourist route of heritage, religious, historical, or natural
significance, determining its boundaries, with the decision published in the
official Gazette.
Tourism Development and Protection Fund
The 2024 law supports the establishment of a new fund called
the
Tourism Development and Protection Fund, aimed at fostering the growth and
development of the tourism sector, protecting and preserving tourist sites, and
enhancing the tourism security system.
According to the draft seen by Al-Mamlaka TV, the fund works
to provide technical capabilities, training, and financing for innovative
projects in the sector. It supports local communities, women, and youth.
Legislative Penalties
The new law stipulates imprisonment for not less than six
months and not exceeding three years or a fine ranging from JD3,000 to
JD10,000, or both penalties combined, for anyone engaging in tourism activities
or professions without obtaining approval. This includes presenting or offering
such services in a manner involving defamation, discrimination, providing false
or misleading information, or
violating public morals.
Despite any provisions in other laws, mitigating
circumstances shall not be considered in reducing the prescribed minimum
penalty for any violation stipulated in this law upon repetition, the law
clarifies. It also does not prevent the application of a penalty greater than
the minimum mentioned if it is less than the minimum penalty specified in any
other legislation. The penalties imposed are cumulative in case of multiple
violations, and the application of penalties does not preclude the application
of any stricter penalty stipulated in any other legislation.
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