Amman, Sept. 16 (Petra) -- A parliamentary delegation is exploring new tourism markets and international destination-marketing practices at IFTM Top Resa in Paris, one of France's leading travel industry trade shows.
The delegation from the Lower House Tourism and Antiquities Committee, headed by MP Salem Omari, is attending the Sept. 15-17 exhibition, which brings together more than 32,000 tourism professionals representing destinations, tour operators, travel agencies and other industry businesses.
Omari said the committee is using the event to examine shifts in global travel demand, destination management and tourism technology, while engaging with tour operators and companies on opportunities to expand Jordan’s presence in overseas markets.
He said Jordan needs to broaden its target markets and promote its archaeological, religious, natural, medical and adventure tourism offerings in a more integrated way to strengthen the sector’s competitiveness.
Linking destinations through broader tourism itineraries could encourage visitors to extend their stays and increase spending while spreading the economic benefits of tourism to more local communities, Omari added.
The delegation is also meeting Jordanian tourism businesses and professional organizations participating in the exhibition to identify challenges they face in reaching international markets.
Omari said the committee would follow up on those concerns with the relevant authorities, noting that Parliament’s role extends beyond legislation to oversight and engagement with tourism businesses and investors.
He stressed the need for closer coordination among government institutions, Parliament and the private sector to strengthen tourism’s contribution to economic growth, employment and local development.
Delegation members Yousef Rawadiyeh, Nabil Shishani, Najma Hawawsheh, Jamal Qamoh and Hammoud Zawahreh also called for greater diversification of tourism source markets, stronger international promotion and continued improvements to services and infrastructure at tourism and archaeological sites.
IFTM Top Resa brings together travel agencies, tour operators, transport and accommodation companies, tourism destinations and authorities, technology companies and specialized media.
According to figures published by the exhibition, this year’s event features 177 destinations and 1,650 brands, with 16,725 business meetings scheduled.
//Petra// RZ
