Jordan will never be an undesirable tourist destination – Marriott GM

By : Nedal Zubeidi

Jordan Daily – Jordan will remain a global tourism destination that cannot be overlooked, regardless of the challenges it faces, said Mahmoud Attallah Al-Farajat, General Manager of Petra Marriott Hotel.

Al-Farajat emphasized the country’s unique environmental and geographical diversity, deep-rooted human history, and globally significant archaeological sites.

“In Jordan, we have one Dead Sea, one Wadi Rum, and one Petra- there’s nothing like them anywhere else in the world,” he said. “Every inch of this country tells a story, and each site preserves the memory of a civilization that has endured for millennia.”

Highlighting the country’s standout attractions, Al-Farajat pointed to the lowest point on earth at the Dead Sea, the amazing red sands of Wadi Rum, and the rose-red city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

“To the doubters, let them be silent. To the lovers of Jordan, let them rest assured- this country will remain firmly on the global tourism map,” Al-Farajat said. “Jordan is a place like no other, and it deserves to be seen as such.”

Farajat’s remarks came in response to a statement by Hussein Hilalat, Vice President of the Jordan Hotels Association, who warned of a clear downturn in tourism performance indicators. According to Hilalat, Jordan saw a record 6.35 million visitors and JD 5.25 billion in revenue in 2023, but numbers have since declined sharply.

Hilalat cautioned that continued government inaction could lead to Jordan being classified globally as an undesirable tourist destination- posing a serious threat to investors, operators, and tourism infrastructure