On behalf of the hotel sector in Petra, Mr. Hussein Helalat, Chairman of the Jordan Hotels Association, extended his sincere appreciation and gratitude to Prime Minister Dr. Jaafar Hassan for his direct attention and prompt response to the challenges facing the tourism sector in Petra, and for approving a comprehensive package of support measures that will help preserve employment opportunities, alleviate financial burdens on tourism establishments, and enhance the sustainability of this vital sector.

Mr. Helalat also expressed his appreciation to the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, commending his dedication and commitment to listening to the concerns of the sector and translating them into practical decisions that support tourism establishments and their workforce.

He further praised the efforts of the Chief Commissioner of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, along with all government entities, institutions, and individuals who contributed to the development and endorsement of this support package, enabling it to become a tangible initiative that serves the tourism sector.

Mr. Helalat emphasized that these decisions represent an important step in the right direction and reflect the Government’s commitment to supporting Petra as one of Jordan’s and the world’s most significant tourism destinations. He noted that the next phase requires building on these efforts through an additional package of measures aimed at stimulating tourism activity, attracting more visitors, and facilitating the full reopening of tourism establishments while restoring employment opportunities for those affected by the recent crisis.

He affirmed that the hotel sector highly values the Government’s positive response and expressed hope that these decisions will mark the beginning of a new phase of recovery and sustainable growth, further strengthening Petra’s position on the global tourism map.

At the conclusion of his statement, Mr. Helalat extended his highest appreciation and gratitude to His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn Al Hussein, praying for the continued prosperity, security, and stability of Jordan.

Mr. Helalat further stressed that the hotel sector will continue to work in close cooperation with the Government and all relevant stakeholders, guided by a spirit of national partnership, to implement plans and programs that contribute to the recovery of the tourism sector, enhance its competitiveness, and restore momentum to tourism activity in Petra, thereby serving the national interest while safeguarding existing jobs and investments.

He also expressed his sincere appreciation to all ministers and government entities that participated in assessing the challenges facing Petra’s tourism sector, commending the collective efforts that led to the adoption of these supportive decisions. In particular, he acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Ministry of Finance, the Social Security Corporation, the Central Bank of Jordan, and the Development and Employment Fund for their cooperation and support within the framework of their national responsibility, and for their role in identifying solutions that help ease the financial burden on tourism establishments while ensuring the continuity of the sector and the preservation of employment opportunities.