Jordan’s tourism revenue stood at JD1.164 billion (some US$1.65 billion) in 2006, an increase of JD142 million over 2005, the kingdom's Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Osama Dabbas said.
In an interview with Jordan News Agency (Petra), the minister said the tourism sector’s contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeded 10 percent. He said the ministry was in the process of restructuring the tourism sector, establishing a chamber of tourism that includes all tourism societies, amending the Jordan Tourism Board’s system and activating the role of the tourism and private sectors.
“The ministry also intends to replace the current tourism law by a modern law to keep pace with new developments in the tourism industry,” he added.
The ministry, Dabbas said, was determined to activate the role of the JTB to reach new markets, mainly in Russia, China, India, Kazakhstan and Turkey and take part in various tourism events and exhibitions.
Dabbas highlighted projects being implemented by the ministry in Irbid, Um Qais, Jerash, Ajloun, Salt, Karak Madaba and Petra.
