Amman, July 27 (Petra) - The Cabinet approved on Monday an 11-measure relief package worth JD5 million to support tourism businesses in Petra and keep 1,600 jobs.

Developed after consultations between the Tourism Minister and local business leaders last week, the package aims to relieve operational costs and strengthen Petra's status as an international tourism hub.

The government will subsidize workforce payrolls by covering 50% of social-security-eligible wages for nearly 900 local tourism employees and 35% for more than 500 staff members at international hotels in the area through the end of 2026.

Additionally, 280 suspended employees will receive six months of wage support to facilitate their return to work and restore their social security coverage.

Financial relief features a one-year deferral of loan installments for local tourism establishments, with the government covering roughly JD2.27 million in accrued interest.

The Cabinet expanded a soft-loan program for tour guides nationwide by increasing its deposit fund, with the state absorbing interest charges.

To lower operating costs, the government authorized the rescheduling of income tax, sales tax, water, and electricity bills for affected establishments in Petra, offering complete waivers on interest and penalties for one-year payment plans and a 50% waiver for two-year plans. The Jordan Tourism Board was empowered to defer, split, or waive subscription fees for local travel agencies without penalties.

To strengthen long-term resilience, the Cabinet allocated 10% of dues collected from local cooperatives and operating companies at the archaeological site to the Petra region's Risk Management Fund. The plan introduces targeted promotional campaigns to extend visitor stays and expand reach across Arab and international markets.

The Cabinet also formed a committee to regulate new hotel licensing in the region, ensuring future capacity aligns with actual market demand.

//Petra// HA