Economy and accessibility

According to the Jordan Tourism Board JTB, indicators for January were encouraging, which ushered a 7% increase in revenues over the same month of 2010, and a 6.1% increase in number of visitors. Although these figures are positive, JTB expects regional developments to impact the sector’s performance in the coming few months. Negative reporting and misconception have mistakenly put Jordan in the same basket of turbulent countries. JTB is now heavily engaged in an effort to correct media misconceptions created by coverage of regional unrest – correcting false impressions in the west which were driven by how the region was being reported. Indeed, Jordan has a long-standing reputation as a very safe, secure, and hospitable destination.Jordan’s economy has been performing very well over the last 10 years, with real GDP growth year-on-year. The global economic crisis did slow the situation down in 2008 and 2009, as global business demand declined and domestic purchasing power reduced while inflation rose sharply. Nevertheless conditions were a lot more resilient compared to Europe and North America and have since stabilised in line with global recovery. In terms of transport infrastructure, Jordan is perfectly set up as a tourist destination. This includes two international airports, Amman Queen Alia International Airport (20 km from Amman) and Aqaba King Hussein International Airport, as well as the Port of Aqaba with its cargo capabilities and a separate passenger terminal. Meanwhile, road infrastructure is ideal. All major tourist sites are in easy reach from each other. This means excellent road connections for tour buses, taxis and private cars, making packaged tours well set up.There is also very good access to neighbouring countries Egypt, Israel, Lebanon, Syria, as well as Palestine and Iraq. Again, this offers possibilities for day tours and joint packages, as well as individual...