Amman, August 19 (Petra) - His Majesty King Abdullah II’s meeting with the Trip.com Group in Shanghai marks a key step toward expanding Jordan’s tourism presence and unlocking growth in the Chinese market.

During the visit, the King called for drawing more Chinese tourists by showcasing Jordan's rich natural, historical, and cultural sites, a move local industry leaders told Jordan News Agency (Petra) could "significantly expand" Jordan's footprint in the global travel market.

Hussein Hilalat, Chair of the Jordan Hotel Association, noted that tapping into the Chinese market requires upgrading local infrastructure, offering Chinese-language services, and tailoring hospitality offerings, such as Chinese cuisine options, to cultural preferences.

He added that establishing direct flight routes and attracting low-cost carriers are essential to lowering travel costs and boosting competitiveness.

Mahmoud Khasawneh, President of the Jordan Society of Tourism and Travel Agents, stated the importance of moving beyond traditional itineraries. He called for tailored, multi-destination packages encompassing Amman, Petra, Wadi Rum, the Dead Sea, Jerash, and Aqaba to extend visitor stays and increase local spend.

He added that the priority now is to build on the royal visit by partnering with Trip.com to launch targeted marketing campaigns that turn interest into "direct bookings and measurable tourist arrivals." Ayman Omar, President of the Jordan Tour Guides Association, presented plans to launch specialized training courses for Chinese-speaking tour guides, in collaboration with Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority, the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, and the Jordan Tourism Board.

//Petra// HA