Amman, May 5 (Petra) – Head of the Lower House Tourism and Antiquities Committee, Salem Omari, on Tuesday called for establishing National Tourism Risk Fund.

On its mission, Omari noted this fund would be dedicated "exclusively" to manage crises and emergencies facing the sector, enhance its resilience and rapid response to regional and global changes.

Omari stated the Kingdom's tourism sector has recently faced difficult regional circumstances that have directly impacted tourist activity and revenues.

He said this situation requires integration of "effective institutional tools to proactively and systematically" address crises.

During a meeting held by the committee, attended by Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Imad Hijazeen, and representatives from the Central Bank of Jordan, Omari said the proposed fund should be "exclusively" dedicated to tackle the sector's risks and emergencies without assuming development tasks.

This project, Omari noted, would support tourist establishments and ensure their continuity during times of crisis and protect employment in the sector.

Omari called for concerted efforts of all stakeholders, both governmental and private, to contribute to the fund's establishment, financing, and management.

He said this vision would develop a comprehensive national mechanism to efficiently and flexibly address the risks facing the sector.

For his part, Hijazeen stated the region's current crises have "significantly" impacted the tourism sector, which is inherently sensitive to any regional developments, affirming its capacity to "rebound stronger." He called for promoting domestic tourism as a key pillar for supporting the sector, stimulating the economy nationwide and developing the tourist product and enhance its competitiveness.

//Petra// AG