Official figures released by the Ministry of TourismMinistry of Tourism yesterday revealed that some 101,311 tourists on package tours visited the country between January and March compared to 68,279 in the same period of 2007.

According to the figures, their average length of stay also increased by around 7.3 per cent to 4.4 nights during the first quarter of this year compared to 4.1 last year.

Tourism Ministry Secretary General Farouk Al Hadidi told The Jordan Times yesterday that the Kingdom was working hard to keep abreast of the developments needed to meet and sustain such growth.

"The success of the tourism industry relies on various sector players and the type and quality of services they provide," he said.

"We are continuously working together to make sure these services meet the required standards to give visitors a truly memorable experience," Hadidi added.

He said the ministry has been forging ahead on this track under the guidelines of the UN World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

The code is based on a set of 10 principles designed to guide stakeholders, including tourism's contribution to mutual understanding and respect between peoples and societies, its use as a vehicle for individual and collective fulfillment, obligations of stakeholders in tourism development, liberty of tourist movements and the rights of workers and entrepreneurs in the industry.

Hadidi said a committee comprising representatives from the ministries of tourism, environment, culture as well as car rental agencies and the Public Security Department is working collectively on implementing these principles under a specific plan.

As part of these efforts, a training workshop was conducted for around 400 taxi drivers operating in the Aqaba Special Economic ZoneAqaba Special Economic Zone, which focused on enhancing their communication skills with tourists, educating them on different sites and the importance of being honest in maintaining the country's image.

In addition, some 250 tourist police were given training on how to deal with visitors.

Hadidi said the ministry also plans to work closely with the Higher Council of Youth beginning in August or September, with programmes focusing on enhancing youth awareness on the value of tourism to Jordan.

Such efforts are in line with awareness programmes targeting policy makers, schools, educators, the media and local communities, under the USAID/Jordan Tourism Development Project initiative "Tourism Enriches Our Lives".

Additionally, there will be a special focus on tourist services in the ancient city of Petra, with stricter regulations for operators such as the owners of horse carriages, ranging from the welfare of their horse and the rates they charge, to their attire.

Notice boards will be posted in different sites informing visitors of the services they are entitled to, while specific areas will be marked with guidelines for trails and the requirements to undertake them. For example, the boards will indicate sections that could be physically challenging and require good fitness levels as well as equipment needed to undertake a specific activity or hike.

Tourists will also be informed which trails they are permitted to take on their own and those that require the presence of a tour guide.

Another plan includes adopting the UNWTO "Responsible Tourist and Traveller", a practical guide to ensure visitors have an enriching experience.

According to Hadidi, the guide, which is still under study, is a two-page leaflet which hotels and travel agencies will distribute to tourists.

"These leaflets are important, not only in better informing visitors of their responsibilities, but also to make sure their rights are protected and their visit is a fulfilling one," he said.

By Dalya Dajani

© Jordan Times 2008

 

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