Amman: The first Sustainable Tourism Forum in Jordan kicked off in Amman Wednesday, with the support of the Centre for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries (CBI) in the Netherlands. Deputizing for Minister of Tourism, the Ministry’s Secretary-General, Fadi Balawi, stressed the “urgent” need to draft a paper to outline the necessary strategies and policies to support sustainability in the Kingdom’s tourism sector.
According to Jordan News Agency, Balawi noted the ministry’s keenness to achieve “sustainable” development and enhance Jordan’s “competitiveness” as a global tourist destination. He stated that the paper, which the ministry will draft, would feature proposals to develop legislation and policies that support management of natural resources and reduce the sector’s environmental impact, while preserving heritage and archaeological sites that are the pillars of the Kingdom’s tourist product.
Balawi emphasized the ministry’s goal to encourage travel agencies and establishments to obtain su
stainability certificates, which are a global standard that reflects the sector’s commitment to responsible environmental and social practices. These credentials contribute to attract additional international tourists interested in sustainable tourism, which enhances Jordan’s position on the global tourism map, he pointed out.
For his part, Deputy Director General of Jordan Tourism Board (JTB), Wael Rousan, stated the forum represents an “important” step to achieve an “ambitious” vision for a “more sustainable and comprehensive” future for the Kingdom’s tourism sector and reflects a “deep” commitment to work with all local and international partners to develop this “vital” industry to serve its current and future needs.
Rousan added that it is time to develop a unified and effective formula to achieve sustainability in the tourism sector, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He noted that JTB has developed a “sustainable” marketing strategy aimed at promoting Jordan as a “responsib
le” tourist destination, which also seeks to develop a tourism map that highlights “authentic and sustainable” tourist experiences in the Kingdom.
Furthermore, Rousan stressed the JTB’s commitment to train its employees to “effectively” implement this strategy, noting its cooperation with local associations to identify sustainable tourist experiences that engage local communities and enhance their vital role.