Amman, July 14 (Petra) -- Jordan’s heavily subsidized domestic tourism program, Urdon Jannah (Jordan is Paradise), has transformed into a major national success story that has revitalized travel agencies and stimulated local economies across governorates, the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents (JSTA) said on Tuesday.

Bilal Rubin, JSTA spokesperson, told the Jordan News Agency, Petra, that the program has successfully enabled citizens to visit archaeological and tourist sites at subsidized rates while offering critical financial support to private travel companies.

Rubin described the initiative as a highly effective model of public-private partnership, noting its broad economic footprint in generating jobs and driving business to hotels, restaurants, transportation companies, and local markets in Jordan's diverse provinces.

"The results achieved by the program prove that it is one of the most prominent national projects supporting the economy," Rubin said, adding that continuing and developing the scheme is no longer optional but a necessity to maintain the momentum of domestic tourism amid broader regional challenges facing the sector.

Rubin called on authorities to expand the initiative by increasing its budget, adding more destinations, and scheduling more trips throughout the year to accommodate a larger segment of the public.

Investing in the domestic tourism program represents a direct investment in the national economy and supports thousands of Jordanian families whose livelihoods depend on the sector, Rubin said, praising the efforts of the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and all involved partners in driving the program's success.

//Petra// AF