The board of directors of the Amman Chamber of Commerce (ACC) and the Syndicate of Tourist Car Rental Office Owners discussed the current state of the sector, its regulating legislation, the challenges it faces, and the latest updates regarding the draft Car Rental Service Licensing Bylaw of 2026.
اضافة اعلان
During a meeting held at the Chamber’s headquarters, both sides emphasized the significance of the tourist car rental sector as a vital component of the tourism industry. They highlighted its role in supporting economic activity and creating jobs, as well as its links to several other economic sectors, such as automotive agencies, financing companies, maintenance workshops, and the spare parts, oil, and tire trade.
According to a statement issued by the Chamber on Sunday, the meeting addressed the most prominent issues and challenges facing tourist car rental offices. Chief among these was the draft Car Rental Service Licensing Bylaw of 2026 and its associated regulatory and legislative requirements, alongside ways to enhance the sector's role, ensure business sustainability, and improve its investment environment.
Senator Khalil Haj Tawfiq, Chairman of the Amman Chamber of Commerce, affirmed that the Chamber views syndicates and sectoral associations as essential partners in representing economic sectors and defending their members' interests, given their direct knowledge of each sector's reality, challenges, and needs. He stressed the importance of bolstering their role in conveying their members' voices and contributing to the development of the business environment.
He emphasized that the Chamber stands by fair demands that contribute to enhancing the business environment and maintaining the sustainability of economic sectors. He noted that the Chamber firmly believes that dialogue and partnership between the public and private sectors form the foundation for drafting economic legislation. Consultation with sector representatives prior to passing any regulations or instructions helps yield more balanced solutions that achieve the public interest, boost investment, and simultaneously safeguard the continuity, growth, and job-creation capacity of existing companies.
Haj Tawfiq added that the Amman Chamber of Commerce will follow up on the Syndicate's feedback with the relevant official authorities, driven by its role in representing the commercial sector and defending its interests to strike a balance between updating legislation, improving services, and maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of economic sectors.
For his part, the President of the Syndicate, Marwan Akoubeh, reviewed the main observations and objections regarding the draft Car Rental Service Licensing Bylaw of 2026. He stressed that the sector does not oppose updating regulations or organizing the market, but calls for a reconsideration of certain clauses that would impose additional financial and administrative burdens on existing companies. These primarily include capital requirements, the minimum number of vehicles, fees, and penalties, which could threaten the sustainability of many offices operating in the sector.
Akoubeh stressed the importance of adopting a participatory approach when drafting regulations governing the sector and involving industry representatives in discussing any amendments before ratification, ensuring that regulations meet organizational goals without harming investments or employment opportunities.
He expressed appreciation for the Amman Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to following up on commercial and service sector issues, noting that the Chamber serves as the primary umbrella for the commercial sector and a key partner in conveying economic concerns to official authorities. He valued their supportive stance on dialogue and consultation to reach balanced legislation that respects regulatory requirements while preserving investment sustainability.
The meeting featured contributions from members of the ACC board of directors, who reiterated the importance of developing regulations for the tourist car rental sector to serve the public interest while considering the operational reality of existing companies and the sector's unique nature. They emphasized the need to institutionalize the principle of partnership between the government and economic sector representatives when drafting legislation to enhance the business environment, support investment, and maintain the competitiveness and sustainability of economic sectors.
Established in 2004, the Syndicate of Tourist Car Rental Office Owners comprises 203 members. It aims to represent the sector before official bodies, protect its members' interests, foster cooperation among them, and contribute to developing the tourist car rental sector to serve investment and elevate service standards.
Al-Mamlaka
