Jordan’s tourism industry enjoyed a boom in 2010 and the country’s ministry of tourism has been outlining plans to sustain this into 2011, despite the unrest in some countries of the Arabic world   and indeed in Jordan.

In 2010, arrivals grew by almost 20 per cent to 4.6 million (8.2 million including day visitors).
Visitors from the Americas grew by 12.0 per cent, Europe by 22.3 per cent and Asia by an impressive 31.2 per cent, with an especially large increase from China.

Working to reassure its travel partners, Jordan’s tourism industry is keeping a close eye on regional political developments and wants to convey the message that the country remains safe, in spite of the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt and the demonstrations in many other countries   including Jordan.

Early in February, Jordan’s ministry of tourism said it was leading an effort to clarify the situation for the world’s travellers to the country.

In a statement to the local media, the Ministry said it was working with the Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), the Jordan Hotel Association (JHA), and the Jordan Inbound Tour Operators Association (JITOA) to correct any misperceptions that might arise from the global media’s attention on the region.

JTB’s managing director, Nayef Al-Fayez, who is heading the Jordan team at ITB, has criticised media coverage attempting to link Jordan to regional developments, rein¬forcing the message that the kingdom remains a safe destination.

“Tourists from all over the world continue to enjoy Jordan’s countless and priceless treasures, as well as its unique and internationally renowned hospitality,” he explained.