Amman- The Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Ramzi Al-Maaytah, confirmed that work is underway to bring low-cost airline flights back to the Kingdom next September or October, in a step aimed at supporting the tourism sector and increasing visitor numbers.
اضافة اعلان
In exclusive statements to Al-Ghad, Al-Maaytah said that the Board continues to implement its plans to enhance the Kingdom's tourism promotion tools, chief among them the reactivation of low-cost airline routes. This coincides with the promotional campaigns carried out during the World Cup matches, particularly those played by the national team, which were leveraged to market Jordan as a distinct tourism destination.
He added that the JTB, in cooperation with the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, is making intensive efforts to resume low-cost flights, as they are one of the most prominent drivers for increasing visitor numbers and stimulating tourism activity by providing lower-cost and more attractive travel options for target markets.
Al-Maaytah explained that the Board, in partnership with relevant public and private sector entities, is placing the low-cost aviation file at the top of its priorities for the coming period. This is due to its direct role in connecting Jordan with new tourism markets and reducing the cost of reaching the Kingdom, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of the Jordanian tourism sector at both regional and international levels.
He pointed out that the upcoming phase will witness practical steps to strengthen Jordan's presence on the global tourism map through launching qualitative initiatives and building strategic partnerships that contribute to the sustainable growth of the sector and increase its contribution to the national economy.
He stressed that the tourism promotion strategy is not limited to traditional advertising campaigns, but extends to building a network of effective partnerships capable of delivering Jordan's tourism image to major global markets, amid intensifying regional competition to attract tourists and the rapid development of promotional programs adopted by many countries in the region.
Al-Maaytah added that Jordan possesses diverse and unique tourism potential that combines cultural, religious, and natural tourism, starting from Petra and Wadi Rum, passing through Aqaba, and reaching Jerash, Machaerus, and Mount Nebo, in addition to the festivals and events hosted by various governorates. This provides a strong foundation for expanding the Jordanian tourism product and attracting visitors throughout the year.
He noted that the coming period will see a tighter link between the tourism sector and the local economy by supporting events and projects that boost tourism spending and prolong visitor stays, emphasizing that Jordanian citizens and the private sector represent key partners in promoting the Kingdom as a safe and distinct tourism destination.
He also stressed the importance of supporting the JTB's efforts during the current phase to enable it to expand its marketing tools and execute more impactful campaigns in target markets, especially in light of fierce competition from regional destinations that possess massive marketing budgets.
For his part, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Dr. Emad Hijazin, said in previous statements to Al-Ghad last Thursday that negotiations are still ongoing with low-cost airlines to resume their flights to the Kingdom.
Hijazin explained that work is underway to restore these flights, estimating their return next September or October, and stressing that low-cost aviation "is definitely coming back" to Jordan.
He pointed out that the suspension of these flights resulted from the repercussions of the conflict involving the US and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, even though Jordan remains far from the conflict zone and enjoys political stability.
He added that initial estimates pointed to a resumption of flights this July; however, ongoing regional conditions led to postponing the return date to next September or October.
The Minister confirmed that the resumption of low-cost flights represents a major factor in increasing the number of tourists coming to the Kingdom and boosting tourism activity in the upcoming period.
According to Hijazin, the number of arrivals to Jordan via low-cost flights previously exceeded 300,000 tourists and passengers, reflecting the importance of this type of air transport in supporting the tourism sector.
It is worth noting that low-cost flights were suspended during the period of military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other, which impacted air traffic and tourism in the region, despite Jordan remaining distant from the theater of military operations.
