The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan has outlined an initiative for a 25-year master plan for development of the tourism sector.

The news comes as government figures report a 15.3 per cent increase in 2012 tourism receipts on 2011 figures, adding US$3.47 billion to the economy.

According to Jordan’s Central Bank, the increase in tourist revenues was due to the pick-up of inbound tourism numbers, with an increase in visitors noted from Iraq, Libya and the US in particular.

Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels’ EMEA Q3 2012 Quarterly Newsletter reported that hotels in Jordan achieved the best trading results in the Middle East, primarily due to an 18.1 per cent increase in occupancy.

Amman was the best performing city in the Middle East & Africa region for the same period, with 30.4 per cent RevPAR growth.

The Jordan Tourism Board will lead a host of high-profile participants to Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2013 which takes place at the Dubai World Trade Centre on May 6th-9th, such as Amlak Hotels & Tourism Investment and first time exhibitor Belle Vue Hotels.

Commenting on the on the renewed optimism and confidence in Jordan, Mark Walsh, portfolio director, Reed
Travel Exhibitions, said: “Jordan currently has a pipeline of around 3,858 hotel rooms, with 2014 set to be a banner year for openings, with a number of high profile hospitality names making their market debut, and the country is definitely on the cusp of a tourism revival.”