Tourism Minister eyes Chinese market for growth and expansion

By : JD News Desk

Jordan Daily – Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Makram Al-Qaisi, said that Jordan is looking to attract more tourists from China, citing shared historical and cultural ties between Arab and Chinese peoples. He hopes that Chinese visitors will act as ambassadors for Jordan upon their return, fostering greater understanding between the two nations.

Qaisi spoke to Xinhua News Agency ahead of his upcoming visit to China, where he will meet with his Chinese counterpart and other tourism sector representatives. This trip is part of Jordan’s strategy to tap into new markets following a decline in Western tourists due to recent war on Gaza.

The minister highlighted that Jordan is exploring new tourism markets with similar cultural backgrounds, as the ongoing conflict in Gaza has impacted visitor numbers from Europe, North America, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

During his visit to China, Qaisi plans to promote Jordan’s cultural and historical attractions, which he believes will appeal to Chinese tourists interested in historical sites. Jordan is home to 16,000 archaeological sites, representing 16% of the 100,000 total sites in the country, according to official data. Qaisi described Jordan as an “open-air museum,” with each site offering significant historical and cultural value.

Jordan’s tourism sector generated $7.3 billion last year, contributing 14.6% to the GDP, and continues to grow. Qaisi emphasized that tourism is more than just economic figures; it’s about building mutual understanding. He views Chinese tourists as key to enhancing Jordan’s global image.

Qaisi also expressed support for China’s Global Civilization Initiative (GCI) , which aims to promote dialogue among different civilizations and encourage shared prosperity.

To make Jordan more accessible, Jordan has simplified visa procedures for Chinese tourists. They can obtain visas upon arrival at the airport or through the Jordanian embassy in Beijing, without needing a bank account or hotel reservation, he added.

Qaisi indicated that further discussions with Chinese officials could enhance these measures, benefiting both countries.