Jordan is a prime tourist destination

The minister of tourism recently presided over a brain-storming session during which the best ways to attract more tourists were discussed.

One suggestion was to invite low-cost airlines to serve the country. 

The minister pointed out that one of the first incentives for tourists anywhere in the world is the airline fare, which explains why about 90 per cent of travellers around the globe fly low-cost carriers.

Another idea was to reduce the high taxes tourists pay; when the director of the Airport International Group, which operates the Queen Alia International Airport, says that passengers flying to Jordan pay JD92 in taxes, it is easy to see that when factored in the overall prices, this sum acts as a deterrent, defeating the aim of bringing more tourists into the country.

Attracting more low-cost airlines to Jordan alone might not be the answer. Occasionally, especially off-season, airlines do have attractive offers; to see how that affects inbound tourism, it is important to conduct a study and obtain figures. 

It might be more advantageous for would-be tourists to have existing airlines offer package deals that include airline tickets and accommodation.

Many countries with famous tourist destinations — Turkey, for example — offer such deals and their tourism is booming.

Hoteliers could enter agreements with airlines in this respect, as could certain restaurants, tourist sites and local communities.

Jordan is extremely rich in historical sites, and can easily bank on its medical and religious tourism to attract visitors. 

The country is blessed with great weather as well, so most conditions for successful tourism are met. It is a matter of logistics and coordination, then.

The taxes may be a hindrance, but with a good national plan in place and collabouration among all entities interested in seeing a surge in tourist numbers, things should work smoothly.

Of course, travel agents and embassies need to make known the fact that the country stands out as an oasis of peace in this troubled region of ours, but that would be an effort well worth exerting.

Wars and conflicts take a heavy toll on tourism in the region, but Jordan has the potential to be a prime tourist destination, both for Arab and for foreign visitors.

To achieve that distinction, officials need to plan and implement wisely.