Country in the spotlight at the last IFTM Top Resa which was held last week at Paris Porte de Versailles, Jordan saw things big and lived up to its ambitions for the year to come.
The personalities made the trip
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Mustafa Queisi, along with Doctor Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, were able to take stock of the destination and the kingdom’s ambitions regarding tourism and its development during a a press conference in a Bedouin tent specially set up for the occasion.
Both welcomed the return of French tourists in large numbers with more than 60,000 visitors welcomed at the end of August 2023 – an increase of 91% compared to last year – and are targeting 80,000 at the end of the year. 90,000 visitors from France.
Record numbers
They are due to the numerous efforts made by Jordan to promote the destination through events, marketing promotion campaigns, regular work with French tourism stakeholders (tour operators, airlines, etc.). ) and the loyalty of the French to the destination.
The Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Mustafa Queisi, wanted to thank all the tourism professionals who offer the destination and who create new products and circuits every year that highlight all the beauty, history and Jordanian culture. There has been a very strong link between Jordan and France for many years and this is why he insists on the importance of being present at the show and coming to meet them.
A major challenge is currently in place to attract more and more visitors, including the arrival of new airlines…
…like Easyjet or even Transavia which will allow better service to Amman and Aqaba whether from Paris, Lyon or Marseille from this winter. Visitors that the kingdom wishes to rejuvenate and over a longer period in order to cover months which until now were considered low season.
New hotels
Both also emphasized the fact that hotel structures would follow with new establishments, citing the example of the new luxury seaside resort Ayla in Aqaba which on the edge of the Red Sea will delight customers for a seaside stay. Here 2 5-star hotels, a residence, a marina, private beaches and a golf course are available to visitors who can enjoy a cultural circuit or/and a high-end stay by the sea.
Religious tourism
However, underlined the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Mustafa Queisi, we also have another tourism that we want to develop which concerns so-called “religious” tourism with the numerous Christian sites which are found in the kingdom. This is why Jordan will host from November 13 to 18 the Congress of the National Association of Diocesan Directors of Pilgrimages in order to promote and highlight the site of Bethany beyond the Jordan, recognized site of the Baptism of the Christ who will celebrate the 25th anniversary of his discovery in January 2024.
Signature of the Selectour congress in Jordan
Laurent Abitbol happy to sign an agreement with Jordan for the next Selectour congress
