Preserving Jordan’s Heritage: 2023 Tourism Boom & Sustainable Innovations

 

In this interview, H.E. Makram Mustafa A. Queisi, the Minister for Tourism & Antiquities of the Kingdom of Jordan, spoke about the country’s efforts to preserve and conserve its rich cultural and natural heritage. He highlighted the importance of preserving sites such as Petra, Al-Maghtas, and Amra Palace, which are significant to Jordan’s history and heritage.

 

The Minister also discussed the Jordan Series, which offers 850 local experiences that allow tourists to engage with the local community and experience Jordan’s culture and social life. Additionally, he mentioned the introduction of electric cars for tourists in Petra, which is a step towards sustainable tourism.

 

The Minister emphasized that sustainability is not only about the economy but also about how to sustain for the coming thousand years. He also spoke about the churches built by the Romans, which signify tolerance in the Arab region.

 

Tourism is a significant contributor to Jordan’s GDP, accounting for 15% of it. The country broke even in 2022, but the Minister stated that 2023 has rebounded stronger. The newly launched campaign “Kingdom of Time” has successfully repositioned Jordan as a year-round destination, and the country has witnessed a significant surge in the number of overnight stay tourists. The Minister is optimistic that this positive trend will continue throughout the year.

 

Learn more about Visit Jordan